Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announces record-pace state funding for water quality initiatives
At a press conference in Fort Pierce yesterday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $625 million in state funding for Everglades restoration and water-quality improvement projects, including House Bill 1379 (HB 1379), calling for a range of provisions to improve Florida’s environment.
The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) is a 50/50 cost-share investment between the state and federal governments. The $625 million designated this year by the state of Florida under the 2023 annual appropriations budget keeps the state’s investment on track with the record pace of recent years.
"Restoring Florida’s Everglades is critical for clean water coast-to-coast and builds the resiliency of our ecology and economy," said Captains For Clean Water Executive Director, Captain Daniel Andrews. "Governor DeSantis has prioritized Everglades restoration since his first day in office and this budget not only reinforces his commitment but continues the momentum needed to bring this effort across the finish line."
Gov. DeSantis also highlights HB 1379, signed in May 2023, which locks into law a portion of directives from Executive Order 23-06, signed in January 2023, that called for $3.5 billion over four years for Everglades restoration as well as several other water quality initiatives. This bill establishes comprehensive environmental protections largely focused on improving Florida’s water quality through reducing nutrient pollution into key waterbodies by enhanced protections, expanded wastewater initiatives, and stronger Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs).
HB 1379 also largely focuses on restoring the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), a federally recognized Estuary of National Significance that stretches 150 miles along Florida’s east coast.
“The current DEP administration has laid out an important path to improving Florida's waters,” said Andrews. “The signing of HB 1379 is a critical step in continuing progress for water quality across the state. The bill lays out substantive efforts to tackle statewide water-quality issues, like nutrient pollution, and establishes exciting momentum for our waterways throughout Florida, like the treasured Indian River Lagoon. We thank Governor DeSantis for his leadership in this legislation by directing Executive Order 23-06, Achieving Even More Now for Florida’s Environment, and for continuing to prioritize protections for Florida’s treasured waters.”
Captains For Clean Water is a Florida-based 501(c)3 grassroots nonprofit on a mission to restore and protect aquatic ecosystems for the use and enjoyment of all. Founded in 2016 by fishing guides, CFCW has united the outdoor industry, business community, and concerned citizens at the forefront of the fight for clean water — the lifeblood of Florida’s economy and $85.9 billion tourism industry. Learn more at captainsforcleanwater.org or follow along on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok.
