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Environmentalists caution that spending Florida Forever funds for reclaimed water projects may fuel development.
By JULIE HAUSERMAN, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 7, 2002
TALLAHASSEE -- With state dollars about as scarce this year as wild manatees, the Florida House is considering diverting money from a land buying program to pay for reclaimed water projects.
The money would come from the state's $300-million-a-year Florida Forever land conservation program. Proponents say using treated wastewater to irrigate lawns and golf courses in fast-growing communities will help the environment in the long run.
But environmentalists say it isn't good policy to use Florida Forever money to pay for it.
"You're taking a program that is supposed to conserve land and taking money from it, and the effect would be to subsidize new development," said Eric Draper, a lobbyist for Florida Audubon.
This is the second yearthat lawmakers have turned to state land-buying money to fund other projects. Last year, lawmakers took $75-million in unspent Preservation 2000 money to help pay for Everglades restoration.
The proposal has no dollar figure, it merely broadens state law to give water management districts more discretion in using the $105-million they get each year from Florida Forever. The state's water managers say they need money to solve water shortages. They also say the law creating Florida Forever says the money can be used for water resources, not just land.
"We think it's a legitimate use of the money," said Kirby Green, executive director of the St. Johns Water Management District.
Mike Molligan, a spokesman for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, agreed. "These funds would be critical to solving water supply problems," Molligan said.
The House on Tuesday approved an amendment authorizing the change. But after pressure from environmentalists, Rep. Dudley Goodlette, R-Naples, said he will pull the measure next week.
Still, similar language is in another House bill (HB 1299) and might show up in companion bills moving through the Senate.