Florida plans $1.6bn for restoration of springs in US

Florida Governor Rick Scott has announced plans for $1.6bn funding for restoration of freshwater springs in the state, to be performed over a period of 20 years.

The investment plan is a part of his proposed 2015-2016 ‘Keep Florida Working’ budget.

The springs are likely to undergo $50m of restoration efforts next year, once the proposal receives approval from the state legislature.

Governor Scott said: "Florida’s springs are one of the many natural treasures that bring families, visitors and job creators to our state.

"Over the last two years, we have championed record funding for Florida’s springs, and we are committed to building on that success going forward. By making these important investments now, we will be protecting and restoring our great springs for generations to come."

Southwest Florida Water Management District executive director Robert Beltran said, "Florida’s springs are environmental treasures and economic drivers for our state."

Over 150 springs have been documented in the district only, which offers nearly $46m of revenue annually.

South Florida Water Management District governing board chairman Daniel O’Keefe said: "Protecting Florida’s water resources requires sound science as well as sound investments. Governor Scott has consistently directed funding to strategic projects and initiatives that benefit our environment, which in turn strengthens our state’s economy."

The state’s plans to preserve the water resources and springs are being supported by local governments and optimisation of private-public partnerships.

Besides the springs restoration initiatives, the Governor’s proposed budget also enlists over $5bn investment for Everglades restoration during the following 20 years and more than $150m for land acquisition and management, which will involve land preservation efforts to save the Florida panther.

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Image: Alexander Spring in Lake County, Florida. Photo: Courtesy of State of Florida / T. Scott