Planning supporters say the district has wandered from its original goals. The plan will be led by Sen. Jason Brodur, a Republican, Sanford, who is the top aide to Senate President Ben Albritton. Districts have the authority to impose taxes.
TALHASSEE – A Florida Senate committee on Tuesday considered plans to make broader changes in the state’s water management districts, with supporters saying the proposal would increase transparency and help the district focus on its “core” missions. It’s there.
The Senate announced details of the plan (SPB 7002) on Friday. This will be led by Sen. Jason Brodur, a Republican of Sanford, who is the top aide to Senate President Ben Albritton. The bill will make changes to five water management districts, but also deal with the restoration of the Everglades.
Brodeur said the water management district was established to manage stormwater and flood control efforts, but took on other issues.
“Over the years, local, state and federal focus has increased resources for environmental restoration, particularly the Everglades’ recovery,” Brodeur said. “In some cases, that emphasis appeared as mission creep, leaving behind so many core operations that there was a risk of failure. If this happened, taxpayer funds would be able to fill the gaps, and It needs to be diverted from important priorities. During the recent hurricane season, we have typically seen large inland flooding in areas that are not affected by flooding. This is a factor in stormwater and flood control across the community. It reminds us of the need to prioritize efforts again.”
Brodeur said the bill’s goal is to “see the state’s unwavering commitment to the restoration of the Everglades and support water management districts that focus on the original core mission.” The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee will take up the plan on Tuesday.
Districts – Water Management Districts in South Florida, Water Management Districts in Southwest Florida, St. John’s River Water Management Districts, Suwanney River Water Management Districts, and Northwest Florida – Water Management Authority to collect property taxes. The South Florida area also plays a key role in the Everglades restoration project.
The Senate released an outline on Friday on a bill that has repeatedly said will increase transparency around the district’s funding and projects. An example of the proposed bill is:
The bill allows districts to hold a referendum on collecting individual property taxes for projects related to things like water supplies, water quality, flooding, and more. In the Senate overview, the referendum proposal gives taxpayers a stronger voice to decide whether to increase taxes to fund the construction of capital improvement projects. I stated. . Some of the required details are estimated as the start and end dates of the project. Breakdown of funding sources; Expenses made. South Florida Water Management Districts should also provide detailed information in a preliminary budget for the project, known as the Comprehensive Everglades Repair Plan. The senator rejects some of the district budget proposals. This includes the ability for the Legislative Committee to reject individual projects in the district’s five-year capital improvement plan. The bill will create a district revolving loan fund to help pay for flood and sea level rise revitalization projects. The fund’s initial money comes from a gambling contract with the Seminole tribe in Florida. The bill provides approximately $750 million for the Everglades restoration project.
