DeSantis signs legislation to fund conservation efforts, utilizes gaming compact revenue
DAVIE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation on Thursday providing funding for environmental management resources in the state.
The bill, SB 1638, was sponsored by Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast. It primarily includes investments into the state’s water management system. Additionally, it directs the bulk of revenue from the Seminole Tribe’s gaming compact with the state to conservation efforts.
Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, also spearheaded the effort, for which DeSantis gave her credit on Thursday.
DeSantis explained during a press conference that the legislation came through a series of efforts that the legislature has taken on over the years to protect the state’s natural resources and environment.
In addition to water management, the bill provides hundreds of millions to remove invasive species. It will provide funding that encourages the growth of plants and fish native to the state in order to help Florida’s wildlife corridor.
“We have now either completed or started more than 65 Everglades related projects since January of 2019,” he said.
DeSantis explained that the bill is going to provide $150 million in repairs and upgrades for the central and South Florida water management system.
“Another thing they’re going to be able to do with these funds is conduct a study of the health and ecosystem of Lake Okeechobee,” he added.
Shawm Hamilton, the secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, thanked the governor and the legislature for their work to protect the state’s natural resources.
“You hear the governor talk about ‘ahead of schedule.’ We are well ahead of schedule and he is continuing to challenge us to be even more so,” Hamilton said.
“Under the governor’s leadership we’ve been afforded the opportunity to do that day in and day out,” he added.
The chief of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Marcellus Osceola Jr., also spoke in favor of the state’s work during the press conference as well.
He emphasized how although the tribe is taking a leading role in caring for the water system, it is important for all Floridians to remain educated and aware of how they can help conserve the state’s natural resources.
