FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 22, 2001
DEP Secretary Signs First Bond Sale Of
Florida Forever Program
--10-year, $3
billion program officially underway—
TALLAHASSEE -- Department
of Environmental Protection Secretary David B. Struhs today signed
the first bond sale of the Florida Forever program. This new $50
million bond sale, the beginning of a 10-year, $3 billion program,
was authorized by Governor Jeb Bush and members of the Florida
Cabinet.
The Florida
Forever Program is Florida’s newest blueprint for conserving the
state’s unique natural and cultural resources. Florida is ranked
fourth nationally in biodiversity, second in length of coastline
(exceeded only by Alaska), first in the nation and the world in
the number of first magnitude springs, fourth in the number of
fresh water lakes, and second in wetlands acres. Combine this with
the fact that its population is fourth largest in the nation and
one of the fastest growing, and it is easy to understand why our
ecosystems are considered to be among the most endangered of all
50 states.
"Florida has
a long history of protecting its natural and cultural heritage and
its programs to protect these resources are some of the most
aggressive in the United States and the world," said Struhs.
"With the allocation of these funds, I believe that Florida
Forever will follow in the footsteps of the extraordinarily
successful P2000 Program and play an important role in shaping
Florida’s future."
In the past 30
years, the State has spent over $3.7 billion for conservation
purposes. This has been accomplished through several programs,
including Preservation 2000, which was responsible for the public
acquisition and protection of 1.25 million acres of land. The
Florida Forever Program demonstrates the state’s continuing
unparalleled commitment to protecting and restoring our vital
natural resources.
The new program
also continues to reach out to other public and private entities
for cooperative partnerships. Much of the past success of previous
programs was a direct result of these partnerships. Some partners
provide logistical or management support, as well as direct
acquisition dollars. Private non-profits sometimes act as
intermediaries to facilitate land acquisition transactions. Of
Florida’s 67 counties, 24 have some kind of local land
acquisition program. Voters throughout Florida have approved local
referenda to raise nearly $1.5 billion to acquire environmentally
sensitive and recreation lands. These local government initiatives
have dramatically enhanced the state’s ability to protect its
remaining important natural areas.
The Florida
Forever Program will go even further than its predecessors to
provide future generations of Floridians with a continuing high
quality of life. Its focus is broader and includes greater
provisions for protecting water quality and quantity and urban
open space areas. Thanks to the vision of Florida’s leaders and
citizens, and to Florida Forever, residents and visitors will
always be able to savor a glorious sunset from sugar-sand beaches,
camp in cool, protected forests, and make their way across miles
of connected trails. Millions of Americans can enjoy these
experiences and know that we are also continuing to protect and
create safe havens for Florida’s many endangered and threatened
plants and animals.
-30-
2012 State of Florida