"Florida Wetlands" via Seth in Google Reader

Monday, November 19, 2007

Florida Forever Funds Squandered

Money set aside for preserving Florida's natural environment is being used to increase recreation areas in some local communities. $76 million in Florida Forever Funds have been granted to the Florida Communities Trust (FCT) to provide additional open space and create more recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. These resources combined with local matching funds will result in more than $133.2 million for new local conservation efforts.
Governor Crist stated, "Florida Communities Trust continues to make a positive impact on Florida's communities, helping to make our state a more beautiful place to enjoy for today's residents and visitors and for future generations."

Projects included in the new funding range from $340,200 for a 9-acre parcel in Pembroke Pines (Broward County) to $6.6 million each for parks in Horseshoe Beach (Dixie County), St. Lucie County, Pine Island Preserve (Lee County) and Palm Beach County. The largest acquisition will be the Levy Prairie project in Alachua County, a 3,317-acre parcel that was approved for $3.06 million in FCT funding to be matched by $2.04 million in local funds.

While many of these projects benefit the beatification of local communities, it is questionable as to what kind of significant environmental preservation will take place in those which will be used as recreational parks by the public.

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