The 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.”
Share this Post