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Scott Signs 'Legacy Florida,' Greens Rejoice

WFSU | By Jim Ash
Published April 7, 2016 at 3:45 PM EDT
Gov. Rick Scott signed "Legacy Florida," Thursday, a measure dedicating $250 million a year to restoring the River of Grass.
Gov. Rick Scott signed "Legacy Florida," Thursday, a measure dedicating $250 million a year to restoring the River of Grass.

Environmental groups are praising Governor Rick Scott for signing the so-called “Legacy Florida” bill Thursday.

Gov. Rick Scott signed "Legacy Florida," Thursday, a measure dedicating $250 million a year to restoring the River of Grass.
Gov. Rick Scott signed "Legacy Florida," Thursday, a measure dedicating $250 million a year to restoring the River of Grass.

Legacy Florida builds on the 2014 environmental mandate Amendment 1 by directing a portion of the money to Everglades restoration. The Everglades Foundation is calling it a momentous occasion.

The money comes from a tax on real estate transactions and the new law is expected to generate $250 million a year for the next two decades.

Republican Joe Negron of Stuart, the next Senate president, is a prime sponsor. The bill also includes $50 million to protect Florida’s fresh-water springs.

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Tags
EnvironmentLegacy FloridaAmendment 1GovernmentLocal
Jim Ash
Jim Ash is a reporter at WFSU-FM. A Miami native, he is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of experience, most of it in print. He has been a member of the Florida Capital Press Corps since 1992.
See stories by Jim Ash