Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stepped away from the presidential campaign trail and sent a $114.4 billion spending proposal to leaders in the House and Senate on Dec. 5.
In the governor’s budget plan were funds for a Florida Keys program designed to help improve the island chain’s nearshore water quality and protect natural resources enjoyed by locals and millions of visitors. A total of $20 million for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act within DeSantis’ spending plan is seen by state Rep. Jim Mooney and state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez as an encouraging start as legislators prepare for discussions and debate in 2024. A 60-day session in Tallahassee begins Jan. 9.
“That funding is critical for continuing to protect the Florida Keys’ delicate ecosystem and water quality,” Rodriguez told the Keys Weekly.
State legislators began funding the Florida Keys Stewardship Act in 2016. Since then, some $90 million funneled into the program has supported projects from Key West to Key Largo. Funding steadily rose for water quality projects, from $5 million in 2018 to the full $20 million request in 2021. DeSantis vetoed $10 million before signing the 2020-21 spending plan due to budget concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Keys have received $20 million for water quality projects for the last three years. Lisa Tennyson, Monroe County legislative affairs director, hopes that trend continues as legislators prepare the next budget.
“(It’s) always an excellent first step to be included in the governor’s budget,” said Tennyson, adding that funds were also included for a vessel pump out program in the county.
In addition to the Stewardship Act, DeSantis’ budget invests $1.1 billion for Everglades restoration and water quality. A total of $64 million in the governor’s proposal aims to reduce harmful discharges and send more clean water south of the Everglades and into Florida Bay. DeSantis also included $550 million for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, which aims to restore, preserve and protect the south Florida ecosystem while providing water supply needs and flood protection.
Tennyson was particularly disappointed in the governor’s recommended $100 million for resilience infrastructure. She said the Department of Environmental Protection issued its 2024-2025 list that ranked 198 resilience projects across the state.
“An allocation of $100 million will fund only the first 16 projects on the list,” she said. “He’s proposing a billion dollars in ticky-tack tax breaks. Why not divert that funding for resilience/flooding infrastructure?”
DeSantis’ budget is roughly $2.7 billion less than the $117.1 billion budget approved by the legislature for the current 2023-24 fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2024. Legislators convening for session next month will face decisions over priorities across the state and specifically how much funds will be expended for programs and projects ranging from infrastructure and education to the environment.
“I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature to craft a budget that focuses on improving the lives of our constituents and keeps our ever-growing state on an upward trajectory,” Rodriguez said.
DeSantis’ budget also included a little more than $10.7 million in operating funds for the College of the Florida Keys.
