Governor Ron DeSantis has revealed that the Florida Wildlife Corridor program and red tide research will receive increased funding.
The corridor program is set to receive a substantial funding boost of $100 million through Senate Bill 1638. This significant investment will help support and enhance the corridor’s initiatives and projects. Additionally, the red tide program, which involves the collaborative efforts of the Department of Environmental Protection, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Mote Marine Laboratory, will continue to receive support following the signing of House Bill 1565. This ongoing commitment underscores the importance of addressing and mitigating the impacts of red tide on our environment and marine life.
Since 2019, taxpayers have invested a total of $125 million into the red tide mitigation program.
Taking care of Florida’s natural resources is not only the right thing to do but also has a significant economic impact on the state, according to his statement.
According to DeSantis, outdoor recreation in Florida contributes to a staggering $52 billion in economic output. The economic impact of Florida state parks alone amounts to $3.6 billion, supporting a total of 50,000 jobs.
According to DeSantis, the impact is substantial, and he and lawmakers fully comprehend that it is an integral part of Florida’s essence. He proudly states that they have actively worked towards safeguarding and revitalizing the state’s natural treasures.
In 2021, the funding for Florida’s Wildlife Corridor was initiated with the aim of enabling animals to move more freely and minimizing the chances of them venturing onto interstates and highways. Governor DeSantis highlighted that nearly 18 million acres of land have been allocated to the corridor so far, with a significant portion consisting of 10 million acres of protected conservation land.
Governor DeSantis highlighted the significance of the corridor in connecting various types of land, including state parks, forests, privately managed conservation lands, family farms, and national parkland. He emphasized that the primary objective of this corridor is to facilitate the free and safe movement of wildlife between these different land areas.
According to DeSantis, Florida has invested $1.4 billion in conserving approximately 216,000 acres of land since 2019. It is worth mentioning that over 90% of this land falls within Florida’s wildlife corridor. Furthermore, an impressive $6 billion has been allocated to the Everglades Restoration Program and various water quality projects.
According to the Republican governor, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, took the lead in negotiating a new gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. This agreement aims to allocate a portion of gaming and casino profits towards conservation efforts.
The state is currently conducting research on the occurrence of red tides, with the aim of mitigating the impacts of red tide algal blooms. HB 1565 is expected to play a crucial role in this effort.
Governor DeSantis expressed his support for HB 1565, highlighting its significance in addressing the issue of red tide and advancing technology development. He commended the initiative as a noble effort that aligns with the state’s objectives for red tide mitigation.
