Crist/Kottkamp 2008-09 Budget Reaffirms Commitment to Florida's Environment

“Florida’s leadership on environmental protection has been strengthened once again with Governor Crist and Lt. Governor Kottkamp’s budget,” said DEP Secretary Mike Sole. “This package represents a steadfast commitment to promoting alternative energy technologies, protecting Florida’s waters and ecosystems as well as preserving open spaces for future generations.”

The Crist/Kottkamp budget recommendations include $200 million to promote energy diversity and address climate change, $325 million to preserve Florida’s water supply and $300 million to fund the state’s land conservation program Florida Forever. In addition, the proposed 2008-09 budget also includes $200 million for the continued restoration and protection of the South Florida ecosystem, allocating $100 million for Everglades restoration, $50 million for the restoration of Lake Okeechobee, as well as $50 million to protect the health of the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries.

The Crist/Kottkamp budget for the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 includes:

Promoting Energy Diversity for Florida, $200 million – Understanding Florida is more vulnerable to the worst effects of climate change than any other state, the Crist/Kottkamp administration recommends an economic stimulus package of $200 million to increase energy efficiency, stimulate development of renewable sources of energy, and use market-driven strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Included in the $200 million is - $10 million for solar rebates, $20 million for renewable energy grants, $10 million for wind energy tax incentives, and $10 million for ocean energy research. The budget also proposes $42.5 million to promote and develop biofuels in Florida, which includes $20 million for biofuel grants, and $22.5 million in tax incentives for alternative fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel, and hydrogen. The Crist/Kottkamp budget also provides $7.5 million for the Florida Green Government Grants Act to encourage local governments to lead the development of cost-effective solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve quality of life and strengthen Florida’s economy.

An additional $100 million is budgeted to support green industries in Florida through the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development.

Restoring Florida’s Waterways and Enhancing Water Supply, $325 million – In order to protect Florida’s diminishing groundwater supply, it is important to continue to develop alternative means of meeting public demand for water. Since 1999, Florida has invested more than $3.1 billion to upgrade and improve water and wastewater facilities and clean up stormwater pollution, funding about 1,800 projects statewide. In 2007, the level of funding for alternative water supplies was reduced by $8 million. The Crist/Kottkamp budget proposes to restore that funding, providing for a total of $60 million to support and sustain this important initiative. Also included is $25 million for the Water Restoration Action Plan.

Conserving Florida’s Land, $300 million – Established in 1999, the 10-year, $3 billion Florida Forever program is the largest land-buying initiative in the nation, conserving environmentally sensitive land, restoring water resources and preserving important cultural and historical sites. More than two million acres throughout the state have been placed in public ownership under Florida Forever and its predecessor program, Preservation 2000 (P2000).

Saving Lake Okeechobee, $50 million – Recognizing the importance of the heart of America’s Everglades, the Crist administration continues the commitment to Lake Okeechobee by recommending $50 million to further the expansion of water storage areas, construct treatment marshes and expedite environmental management initiatives. These efforts will enhance the ecological health of the lake and downstream coastal estuaries.

St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers, $50 million – Building upon last year’s legislation to restore and protect the Caloosahatchee and the St. Lucie rivers and their estuaries, the budget allocates $50 million to assist with the implementation of projects that benefit both the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers and estuaries.

Restoring America’s Everglades, $100 million – The Crist administration recommends $100 million to continue the state-federal partnership, established in 2000, to restore America’s Everglades and return a natural flow of water across the 2.4 million-acre marsh. To date, the state’s commitment toward the $10.9 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan tops $2 billion. The funding plan ensures that the projects needed for the restoration of the Everglades can continue to restore a more natural water flow and improve water quality.

Enhancing Ecotourism and Recreation, $62 million – DEP’s state park system is one of the largest in the country, with 161 parks spanning 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach and is the first two-time winner of the Gold Medal honoring the nation’s best state park system. Last year, Florida’s expansive park system welcomed a record-breaking 19.5 million visitors and provided $936 million to local communities, generating more than 18,700 jobs. The Crist administration recommends $42 million to develop and enhance our state parks, aquatic preserves and greenways and trails. In addition, $20 million will be used in part to assist local governments in protecting the state’s beaches, the first line of defense against storm surges from hurricanes and other catastrophic storms.

For more information, visit www.myflorida.com or www.dep.state.fl.us.