Last week, Governor Scott released his recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2014-15. In the Environmental and Natural Resources category, the Governor recommended a total appropriation of $3.3 billion, with approximately $1.41 billion or 43% to the DEP, $1.46 billion or $45% to DACS, $323 million or 10% to the FWCC, and $58 million or 2% to the Department of Citrus. Among the highlights were: Everglades Restoration at $130 million; Florida Forever/Land Management at $70 million; Springs Restoration at $55 million; Keys Wastewater Treatment at $50 million; and Beach Projects at $25 million.
A further breakdown is as follows:
Environmental Protection
• $286 million for Restoring Waterways and Water Supply
• $130 million for Everglades Restoration
• $55 million for Springs Restoration
• $50 million for Keys Wastewater Treatment Plan
• $70 million for Florida Forever
• $25 million for Beaches
• $19 million for State Park Repairs and Enhancements
• $750,000 for the Partnership in Parks Program
• $250,000 for Ecotourism
• $125 million for Petroleum Tank Cleanup Projects
• $6 million for Dry Cleaning Site Cleanup
• $4 million for Hazardous Waste Cleanup
• $2.3 million for Landfill Closures
Agriculture and Consumer Services
• $4 million for Citrus Research
• $6.1 million for Citrus Health Response Program
• $2 million for Expansion of Budwood Facility
• $4 million for Statewide Agricultural BMP's
• $3 million for Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protections Area BMP's
• $5 million for Springs Protection BMP's
• $6.9 million for Oyster Reseeding and Rehabilitation
• $2 million for Replacement of Wildfire Suppression Equipment
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Additional $3.4 million for Lake Restoration
• Additional $3 million Invasive Plant Management
• Additional $2.8 million for Wildlife Management Area Land Improvements
• $200,000 for Manatee Rehabilitation
• $200,000 to Marine Habitat Restoration Projects
• $160,000 to Control Invasive Lionfish
• $5.1 million for Boating Safety and Improvement Programs
• $200,000 for Youth Hunting and Fishing Programs
• $3.2 million for Palm Beach County Shooting Park
• $800,000 for Artificial Reef Construction
