PRESS RELEASE April 18, 2001

TALLAHASSEE - A Florida TaxWatch report calls on lawmakers to exercise caution to assure the budget battle does not inflict any permanent damage on programs to protect Florida's environment.

Each year Florida sets aside $300 million to purchase conservation, recreation and water resource lands throughout the state. But this year, there is debate brewing over using some of this Florida Preservation 2000 money to free up general revenue for non-environmental programs.

The Senate plan uses $100 million dollars from the Preservation 2000 Trust Fund to pay for Everglades restoration in the 2002 Fiscal Year budget. This move would free up $100 million in general revenue for education and social services programs.

The TaxWatch report takes a close look at the many concerns that have been raised about this funding proposal, and at the impact it would have on actual funds available for land acquisitions over the coming year.

"Looking ahead to 2002, it appears that the trust fund will have nearly $775 million dollars for land acquisition over the next 15 months, due to the expected infusion of a total of $600 million from the sale of Florida Forever bonds," said Dr. Keith Baker, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Florida TaxWatch. "However, the dependence on nonrecurring revenues to fund the Everglades restoration is troublesome. This 20 year project will be jeopardized by yearly squabbles over how to fund it."

Florida TaxWatch concludes lawmakers must, at the very minimum, form a study commission to assure the long-term funding of the Everglades restoration as well as the financial stability of the Preservation 2000 Trust Fund.

"Whatever action is taken, we must be assured Florida's conservation, recreation and water resource lands are as protected as they should be," Baker said.