A Florida Senate committee has unanimously approved a bill that would bring significant changes to the state’s water management districts, with a focus on increased transparency and a renewed emphasis on flood control and Everglades restoration.
The bill, SB 7002, spearheaded by Senator Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, was approved Wednesday by the Senate Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Appropriations Committee.
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Brodeur has stated that the bill aims to improve accountability and transparency within the five water management districts while also shifting their focus towards stormwater management and flood-control efforts. He indicated that discussions are ongoing and that the bill may undergo further revisions.
“The entirety of this is about accountability and transparency,” Brodeur emphasized.
A companion bill, HB 1169, was filed in the House last week by Representative Bill Conerly, R-Lakewood Ranch.
While the specific details of the bill are still under discussion, some key provisions include:
- Increased Transparency: Measures to enhance transparency and public access to information within the water management districts.
- Focus on Flood Control: A renewed emphasis on stormwater management and flood-control initiatives.
- Everglades Restoration: Provisions aimed at supporting and expediting Everglades restoration efforts.
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This legislation could have significant implications for water management in Florida, potentially affecting everything from flood control projects to water supply planning.
The bill must now move through the remaining Senate committees before it can be considered by the full Senate. With a companion bill also moving through the House, there appears to be bipartisan support for reforming the state’s water management districts.
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