GOV. RICK SCOTT SIGNS THE FLORIDA KEYS STEWARDSHIP ACT INTO LAW
Gov. Rick Scott signed the Florida Keys Stewardship Act into law on April 14. This legislation provides funding and policy changes for new water quality projects and aggressive land acquisition that will help protect the ecologically fragile island chain, which is both an environmental treasure and economic engine for the entire State of Florida.
The new law provides $50 million in funding from the Florida Forever Act for land acquisition over the next 10 years. It also provides $5 million in state funding for water quality projects this year.
“I compare this to the Everglades restoration in the 1990s,” County Administrator Roman Gastesi said. “It sets up the framework for tens of millions of future funding, which is very significant for the environment and the economy in the Keys.”
Historically, environmental laws of this type take several years to pass in Florida. But the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, with the strong leadership of Rep. Holly Raschein and the dedicated efforts of the County and the municipalities, became state law during its first year of consideration – and with nearly unanimous support. The legislation cruised through six committees (three in the House and three in the Senate) and passed two votes on the House floor and one vote on the Senate floor. The total votes: 333-2 in favor.
The new law includes important policy changes that enable more aggressive purchasing of land that is needed not only for critical habitat conservation, but also for preventing or satisfying private property rights claims that could result from development limitations imposed by the Keys’ designation as an Area of Critical State Concern.
The Stewardship bill also expands the types of water projects eligible for funding with the remaining $100 million in the state Stan Mayfield grant program, which uses Everglades Restoration Bonds that were limited to wastewater projects. Now, critical canal restoration and storm water projects that will help clean up and prevent degradation of nearshore waters can be funded.
“We’ve made much progress on water quality and environmental protection in the Keys, but there is much more to do,” Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers said. “This Act is an acknowledgment by Tallahassee of the environmental and economic importance of the Keys and solidifies our partnership with the State in preserving both.”
The County’s growth management staff and the Monroe County Land Authority already have begun to coordinate with DEP on prioritizing land parcels for purchase.
Here are the key parts of the new law:
- The state Department of Environmental Protection will allocate at least $5 million per year from Florida Forever Act funds for land acquisition within the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern. (This year’s $5 million is a third of Florida Forever’s $15.1 million appropriated for conservation lands in the 2016-17 state budget).
- A direct $5 million appropriation was secured this fiscal year for water projects in the Keys. The money will be distributed to the County and the municipalities in accordance with the existing interlocal agreement.
- The law expands the power of the Land Authority. It now can contribute funds to joint land purchases with the state without having to retain title. The Land Authority also can now acquire land to satisfy taking claims.
- The law expands the use of local infrastructure sales surtaxes to include buying land to satisfy taking claims and to include costly professional services – such as legal, planning and surveying – that are necessary for bring projects into public ownership.
- Law clarifies that local infrastructure sales surtaxes can be used for joint projects, including land acquisition, with other governmental entities.
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