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Senator Seeks Money for Springs, St. Johns River

Dan Environment, Florida, Industry News Release

St. Johns river springsThe chairman of the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee filed a proposal this week that would funnel tens of millions of dollars to protecting natural springs and restoring the St. Johns River. Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, filed the proposal (SB 204) for consideration during the 2018 legislative session, which starts in January. Under the proposal, the state would spend at least $75 million a year on springs projects, up from a current minimum of $50 million. The bill also would provide $50 million annually for projects related to restoration of the St. Johns River and its tributaries or the Keystone Heights Lake Region. The bill calls for using money that is a result of a 2014 constitutional amendment. That amendment requires a portion of documentary-stamp tax revenues to be set aside for land and water conservation efforts. “The St. Johns River and our springs define the character of North Florida,” Bradley said in a prepared statement Tuesday. “In addition to providing scenic beauty and recreational opportunities to local residents, our river and springs attract visitors from across the state and nation.”

from News Service of Florida

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