Bill Type and Number: Resolution 2007-462

Sponsor: Council Member Johnson

Date of Introduction: April 24, 2007

Committee(s) of Reference: Rules

Date of Analysis: April 27, 2007

Type of Action: Petition to Florida Legislature

Bill Summary: The bill petitions the Florida Legislature to create a successor program to the Florida Forever program that provides state matching funds to help local governments, water management districts and non-profit entities acquire and protect lands and waters for conservation purposes. The Florida Forever program is scheduled to sunset in 2010.

Background Information: Florida Forever is the successor to the Preservation 2000 program. The legislature appropriates $300 million annually to the program to leverage other funding sources to acquire or otherwise permanently protect environmentally sensitive lands, waters and habitats. The City has made substantial use Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever funding for projects throughout the City, including many Timucuan Preserve properties, Camp Milton, and the Goodby’s Creek boat ramp property.

Policy Impact Area: Environmental land conservation

Fiscal Impact: The state appropriates $300 million per year to Florida Forever for acquisition purposes

Analyst: Clements