FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2000
Governor Bush
Signs Everglades Legislation
--Lake Okeechobee restoration bill also enacted--
EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK--Governor
Jeb Bush today made the Everglades Restoration Investment Act the
first major bill to be enacted from the recently concluded 2000
legislative session. The law represents the state's commitment to 50
percent of the costs of Everglades restoration, expected to total
nearly $8 billion over 20 years. The Governor also signed the Lake
Okeechobee Restoration Investment Act.
"There are certain
milestones in our careers and lives where everything comes together
and we recognize that we have actually done something of lasting
importance," said Governor Bush. "This is one of those moments
and it needs to be treasured and celebrated. It must also be tempered
with a recognition of the dedication of countless individuals whose
work preceded us and helped get us to this point."
The law's provisions state
that over the next decade, more than $2 billion in state and local
resources will be directed toward restoration. Through the
newly-created "Save Our Everglades Trust Fund", resources
will be carried forward across fiscal years ensuring that resources
will be available when needed. The law also requires accountability
based upon performance for all involved in restoration activities.
"This is a tremendous
achievement for those who have tirelessly worked toward the result
that we celebrate today," said DEP Secretary David B. Struhs.
"It is another significant accomplishment for the legislature.
Following last year's passage of Florida Forever and this year's
passage of the Lake Okeechobee Restoration Investment Act, their
unanimous vote on the Everglades Restoration Investment Act will long
reflect a shining moment in Florida history. I thank the bill's prime
sponsors, Senator Burt Saunders and Representative Lee Constantine,
along with Senate President Toni Jennings and House Speaker John
Thrasher. Together with Gov. Bush, all showed remarkable leadership.
"Congress now has an
equal opportunity to make history," said Secretary Struhs.
"With a commitment to recognize the national interests of
restoration through authorization and funding half of the project
costs, they too will leave a proud legacy of conservation in the
spirit of Theodore Roosevelt. As we have stated before, Florida is
ready, willing and waiting for a full partnership in this historical
endeavor."
Also enacted today was a new
law that will accelerate a reversal of fortunes for Lake Okeechobee.
The Lake Okeechobee Restoration Investment Act appropriates $38.5
million that will be used, among other things, to implement immediate
phosphorous reduction measures, evaluate options for removal of
phosphorous from the Lake, and create an ongoing research and
monitoring program. In addition, part of the funding will be directed
toward landowner incentives and design of "Best Management
Practices" to reduce point and non-point sources of phosphorous
loading the Lake. The law further requires the development of a
coordinated, comprehensive plan to accelerate the cleanup of Lake
Okeechobee that complements the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration
Plan.
"Lake Okeechobee is in
serious trouble, but with the governor's signature on this bill today,
the first dose of a prescribed remedy will be administered," said
Secretary Struhs. "All that ills the Lake will not be cured in
one year, but without this necessary first step, recovery can not
occur. Again, I join with those who wish to see a revitalized Lake
Okeechobee in thanking the legislature, especially the bill's prime
sponsors, Representative Ken Pruitt and Senator John Laurent, House
and Senate leadership and Gov. Bush."
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2012 State of Florida