by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida With Gov. Rick Scott describing him as “passionate about the environment,” Noah Valenstein was named Tuesday as Florida’s next environmental secretary after a short interview with Scott and members of the state Cabinet. Valenstein, a former Scott aide who is executive director of the Suwannee River Water Management District, will take over at …
State Preserves More than 5,000 Acres of Environmentally Sensitive Ranch Lands
The Governor and Cabinet approved the preservation of 5,211 acres of environmentally sensitive ranch lands in Okeechobee and Highlands counties through cost-effective conservation easements, which prevent future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy. The purchases are a part of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, where the state partners with …
Governor Scott Appoints Noah Valenstein as Secretary of DEP
Governor Rick Scott appointed, and the Florida Cabinet approved, as the Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Governor Scott said, “Throughout his entire career, Noah has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to protecting our state’s incredible and diverse natural treasures. As a native Floridian, Noah knows firsthand how important our natural resources are to our families and visitors, …
Rural Lands Program Could Run Short of Cash
by Jim Turner The News Service of Florida Gov. Rick Scott and the state Cabinet could spend about $8.5 million next week to conserve thousands of acres of land owned for decades by two ranching families. Such deals have become a widely used strategy in recent years to protect land from development. But the program that would pay for the …
Scott Signs Major Water Bill Backed by Negron
from The News Service of Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday signed a priority of Senate President Joe Negron that will allow the state to bond money for a controversial reservoir intended to help clean South Florida waterways. The measure (SB 10) was one of 11 bills that Scott signed into law. The water bill allows Florida to bond up …
Negron Water Priority Going to Governor
by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida Florida could bond up to $800 million — two-thirds the amount previously sought by the Senate — to speed construction of a reservoir intended to help clean South Florida waterways, under a compromise measure heading to Gov. Rick Scott. The governor’s office Tuesday noted his support for the water-storager plan on Tuesday, …
Scott Pitches Dike Repairs to Trump
Gov. Rick Scott said he spoke with President Donald Trump on Wednesday about the importance of completing repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike around Lake Okeechobee. On Monday, Scott asked state lawmakers to add $200 million to the budget to help speed the federal government’s ongoing repairs. “President Trump is clearly focused on protecting Florida’s environment and investing in our …
Scott Pushes for Money to Repair Lake Okeechobee Dike
by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida Gov. Rick Scott waded into the legislative battle over Everglades restoration Monday. The governor gave support to a revised Senate water-storage plan and called for lawmakers to financially help the federal government speed repairs to the dike around Lake Okeechobee. In a news conference as the legislative session entered its final three weeks, …
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