FROM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA:
Compromise legislation that would allow the state to push forward with the next phase of Everglades restoration unanimously passed the House on Friday. The 114-0 vote on the bill (HB 7065) came after agricultural interests and the environmental movement agreed on language to add the updated plan to state law and extend higher tax rates for permit holders in the Everglades Agricultural Area on the north end of the “River of Grass.” All sides of the issue hailed the agreement.
“Protection and restoration of the Everglades has historically been based on compromise and many parties working together, and I believe this legislation is further proof of that,” said Eric Eikenberg, CEO of the Everglades Foundation, in a statement issued after the vote.
“This legislation demonstrates the art of compromise between all parties and is a victory for all of us who have been part of Everglades restoration efforts for 20 years,” said Robert Coker, senior vice president of U.S. Sugar, one of the major agricultural business in the EAA.
The bill is expected to easily clear the Senate, and Gov. Rick Scott put out a statement Friday indicating he will sign the legislation.
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