GOVERNOR’S BUDGET INCLUDES KEYS FUNDING

Desantis Supports Stewardship Act Request

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ budget proposal includes millions of dollars for the Florida Keys’ delicate environment, as well as substantial funds for a local college and a housing program.

On Feb. 1, the Republican governor unveiled a $114.8-billion spending plan for the 2023-24 fiscal year, which begins July 1. DeSantis’ budget proposal for the coming year is $4.9 billion more than his spending plan for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The Florida Legislature, which has the final say over the state’s budget, approved a $112.1-billion spending plan in March 2022.

DeSantis’ budget proposal includes one of Monroe County’s top priorities for the legislative session — $20 million for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act. The program enables the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to distribute funds to Keys municipalities and utility agencies for projects that protect valuable water resources and acquire environmentally-sensitive land. Funds support canal restoration and stormwater projects.

With critical Keys programs and projects included in the governor’s budget, legislators say there’s still a long way to go before approval of the funding request.

Monroe County officials are hoping this could be the year that state legislators approve annual funding for the Stewardship Act. Each year, Keys officials and lobbyists fight to get funds included in the budget for the Stewardship Act. Some years have been successful, while others have been lackluster. A bill filed by state Rep. Jim Mooney and state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez for the upcoming session would put the Keys program on a pedestal and provide recurring funds, like critical Everglades projects get each year through the state’s Land Acquisition Trust Fund. DeSantis’ budget proposes $478.5 million from the trust fund for Everglades restoration.

In addition to funds for the Stewardship Act, the governor’s budget proposes $20 million in nonrecurring funds to construct housing primarily