Governor discusses budget in Eastpoint

Governor Rick Scott was in Eastpoint on Monday to talk about his proposed budget and some of the funding he has proposed to help the Apalachicola Bay.

Governor Scott was joined by State Senator Bill Montford, Representative Haley Beshears, and a list of state and local officials to discuss his budget.

The governor said his budget includes 3 million dollars specifically dedicated to the Apalachicola Bay area.

Much of that money would go toward water projects to repair and enhance local stormwater infrastructure while improving water quality in the bay.

The Northwest Florida Water Management District will prioritize critical projects that address storm water needs and have the flexibility to retrofit storm water infrastructure to keep storm water from impacting the local fisheries.

Included in the $3 million dollars is up to $500,000, to help fund an analysis of the river flows necessary to maintain healthy oysters and other fisheries.

The governor also used the opportunity to talk about some of the projects that are going on now to restore the Apalachicola Bay including the relaying and shelling projects that will employ a number of local oystermen and the studies being conducted by the Fish and Wildlife Commission and the University of Florida Oyster Recovery Team to create short-term and long-term strategies for restoring oyster populations.

Senator Bill Montford called the Bay a national treasure and said every effort would be made to protect it.

Representative Halsey Beshears added that the fact that Governor Scott was in Eastpoint shows that he cares about local issues. 

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