Vice Chairwoman Sosa Supports Governor DeSantis’s Environmental Budget Proposal

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FL– This week, County Commissioners unanimously adopted legislation sponsored by Vice Chairwoman Rebeca Sosa supporting Governor Ron DeSantis’s 2019 Environmental Budget Proposal. Our Governor recommended that the State allocate over $625 million annually for the Everglades restoration and protection of Florida’s significant water resources. Funding Everglades restoration and water resources protection to this degree would result in an investment of over $2.5 billion over his current term in office. Moreover, Commissioner Sosa’s resolution urges the Florida Legislature to appropriate funding consistent with the Governor’s budget proposal.

The budget proposal outlines $360 million for Everglades restoration, including $107 million for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir Project and $40 million through the Department of Transportation’s work program to speed up and complete the final phase to raise the Tamiami Trail. Additionally, the budget includes $150 million for targeted water quality improvements to achieve nutrient reductions in important Florida waterbodies; aid for septic-to-sewer conversions; funds for stormwater and wastewater system upgrades and improvements; $50 million to restore Florida’s springs; $40 million to fund an alternative water supply grant program to assist local communities with planning and implementing conservation, reuse, and alternative water supply projects; and $25 million to combat harmful algae blooms and red tide.

“Protecting and restoring the Everglades is of paramount importance to the overall health and economic wellbeing of our community and state,” said Vice Chairwoman Sosa. “I commend Governor Ron DeSantis for putting forward this historic proposal, and demonstrating his commitment to our environment and to improving our quality of life. Governor DeSantis’s proposal is significant as it also seeks to protect bodies of water throughout the state as well as our drinking water.”