Gov. Scott's new commitment to the Everglades
Monday, January 9, 2012
By: Amy Green

Jan.09, 2012 | WMFE - At the annual Everglades Coalition conference Thursday in Stuart, Gov. Rick Scott offered environmentalists a new position on enhancing conservation efforts for the vital ecosystem. Scott is pledging a big funding increase for Everglades restoration, as WMFE's Amy Green reports. The simple fact that Scott attended the Everglades conference was the first indicator that his approach to conservation is changing. Last year he was the first governor since 1987 not to attend. But Thursday he struck a conciliatory tone with environmentalists. "It's not easy, but I know with regard to the Everglades we've got to do everything we can to put the money in there. So I'm going to do everything I can in our budget to make that happen, but it's going to be important that all of us stay active." Scott allocated $40 million for the Everglades in his fiscal plan for the coming year. Last year he allocated $17 million, which state lawmakers bumped up to $30 million dollars. The Everglades ecosystem begins in Central Florida and flows the length of South Florida to Florida Bay.