Florida’s regional water management districts must have the resources to restore our ecosystems and ensure the availability of abundant clean water for Florida’s people and wildlife.
Last year the Florida legislature severely cut water management district by over 30% and this year it appears there may be further reductions. South Florida Water Management District’s budget is of special interest because the agency not only manages water resources for 41% of Florida’s population: it is the state partner for Everglades restoration.
The SFWMD Proposed FY13 budget has been sent to the Joint Legislative Budget Commission and Governor’s office for review and should be finalized in mid to late September.
Audubon Florida Executive Director Eric Draper has sent letters to Senator JD Alexander (R- Lake Wales) and Representative Denise Grimsley (R-Sebring) urging an increase of funding to support our water resources. He urged funding levels for the SFWMD to be restored to support Everglades restoration, the Everglades water quality plan, science and monitoring, water conservation programs, and resource and land management. Click here for a copy of his letter to Sen. Alexander, the Chair of the Joint Legislative Budget Commission.
Eric Draper stated:
“It is crucial to increase investment in these key projects and programs to realize the vision of a sustainable water future for south Florida.”
The gush of water into south Florida from Tropical Storm Isaac further highlights the importance of funding Everglades restoration projects and other water storage projects. After a dry period our region is once again flushed with water. Expediting Everglades restoration projects to store water will allow us to save this water when it is needed during droughts. Additionally, water storage will alleviate some of the stress on fragile estuarine ecosystems and Lake Okeechobee which receive large amounts of water quickly during storm events, potentially harming water quality.
Stay tuned to the Audubon of Florida News Blog for the latest updates on the water management district budget process.
