Last week Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed a nearly $1 billion investment over four years to support local governments in building climate change resilient infrastructure.
The program, called “Resilient Florida,” will use “revenues from the state documentary stamp tax to pay for the debt service on $1 billion in bonds for projects that address the impacts of climate change,” writes the Miami Herald. It requires legislative approval.
The funds will be used to address sea level rise, floods, and intensifying storms, among other climate change related issues, such as wastewater treatment and healthcare.
“This funding...is essential now to support Florida as our economy rebounds from the impacts of the pandemic,” said Eric Eikenberg, CEO of the Everglades Foundation in a statement.
Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection will run the program, which will include the creation of a non-profit corporation titled “Resiliency Florida Financing Corp.” to handle the financing. The funds will create an additional 15 positions at FDEP, and grant distribution will prioritize local governments already receiving matching funds from other governmental sources, notes the Herald.
"Protecting resources before they are lost is always less expensive than restoration later,” said Julie Wraithmell, executive director, Audubon Florida, in a statement. “Investing in water and wildlands protects our quality of life and Florida's economy,"
Read the text of the full proposal, as part of a nearly $100 billion state budget proposal: http://www.floridaleadsbudget.com/content/Current/reports/Governors-Recommended-Budget-Implementing-Legislation.pdf
Read more at the Miami Herald: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article248835424.html