Nature Conservancy Statement on 2009-2010 Budget

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL — May 8, 2009 — Today, the Florida Legislature approved a budget for fiscal year 2009-2010 that broke a nearly two-decades long record. For the first time since 1990, Florida Forever/Preservation 2000 will not receive an annual appropriation to permit issuance of new bonds for Florida Forever.

Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Legislature unanimously reauthorized Florida Forever for 10 years just last year.

During final budget negotiations, when the Florida House declined to accept Senate Florida Forever and Everglades funding language in SB 2430 and HB 55, the Senate proposed providing $25 million for Florida Forever and $25 million for Everglades Restoration. However, the House did not agree, and instead $50 million of funding was assigned to further important Everglades Restoration work in the Northern Everglades region. Unfortunately, Florida Forever did not receive new bond authority in the 2009 budget.

“While we are disappointed that Florida Forever did not receive new funding for 2009, it is important to acknowledge that the Florida Forever program will continue because of the efforts of the Legislature to ensure that the existing $250 million of bond authority can be issued and spent,” said Jeff Danter, The Nature Conservancy’s Florida director, referring to bonds that had been on hold due to low revenue and will be released for issuance. “Moreover, we are hopeful that the documentary stamp loophole fix in SB 2430 and an improving economy will set the stage for full Florida Forever funding next year.”

The Nature Conservancy recognizes and is thankful for the efforts of the Florida Senate to address the funding of Florida Forever during difficult economic times. The Conservancy particularly thanks the leadership of Senate President Jeff Atwater and the creativity and persistence of Senators J.D. Alexander, Carey Baker, Al Lawson, and Dan Gelber for their efforts to fund Florida Forever through the closure of the Crescent loophole in Senate Bill 2430 and to ensure that current bond authority for the program is protected.

The Conservancy also acknowledges the commitment of Gov. Crist to the Florida Forever program demonstrated by his efforts to fund the program during the regular legislative session and his veto of Florida Forever cuts during the January special session.

“We are committed to working with the leadership of both chambers during the 2010 session to fully fund the most successful land acquisition program in the country, funding that 67 percent of Floridians support,” said Danter.

Learn more about Florida Forever and sign up for the Conservancy's Florida Action Network.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. With funding from the Florida Forever program and our generous donors the Conservancy has helped protect more than 1.2 million acres in Florida since 1961. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.