Florida: $25M for Beach Projects

Governor Rick Scott’s Florida First budget recommends more than $1.5 billion to protect and enhance Florida’s natural resources, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection informs.

The Florida First budget emphasizes projects that will improve water quality, enhance water supplies and safeguard natural resources while directly benefiting communities statewide.

DEP Secretary, Jon Steverson, said: “Governor Scott’s proposed budget reflects his commitment to starting, and more importantly completing, projects that have real, tangible benefits for our natural resources and communities. DEP continues to focus on projects that make a difference in the lives of Florida families, improve our economy and safeguard our environment.

Governor Scott’s proposed budget includes:

  • $188 million for Everglades and Lake Okeechobee restoration: This includes a combined $116 million in construction for critical reservoir projects, as well as $37 million in grants for water-quality improvement projects;
  • $25 million for beach restoration funding: DEP provides grants to local governments for beach renourishment, restoration and inlet management projects to protect, preserve and restore Florida’s world-renowned beaches and dune systems.