KEYS LEGISLATORS SEEK ANNUAL $20 MILLION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS

Environmental Protection, and then sent to local municipalities to use for projects including stormwater and canal restoration.

The Senate’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee passed the bill on Jan. 17 via a 9-0 vote. Rodriguez, who serves as committee chair, said the bill’s passage through the first committee is “groundbreaking.” But Rodriguez said the bill has a long road to become law.

“As the bill sponsor, I could not be happier and I will continue to work tirelessly to get this legislation over the finish line,” she said.

Stewardship Act funding fluctuated year-to-year since its passage in 2016. Legislators representing the Keys, going back to former state Rep. Holly Raschein and former state Sen. Anitere Flores, fought each session to secure as much money as possible in the budget.

In the first year, $5 million was allocated for water projects and land acquisition. A year later, the legislature approved $13.3 million. Stewardship Act funds totaled $10 million in 2018 and $11 million in 2019.