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The Honorable Rick Scott <br />September 22, 2015 <br />Page 2 <br />Budget highlights include: <br />• Nearly $50 million in cooperative funding projects, including springs and priority <br />water body protection and restoration, water conservation initiatives with public <br />water suppliers and projects to maximize the reuse of reclaimed water. <br />• $11.5 million (including partner funding) for the acquisition of Silver Springs Forest, <br />which will reduce nitrate loading. into springs and rivers, allow for hydrologic <br />restoration that will result in water quality improvement, and create opportunities for <br />water storage, public recreation and a 20 -mile wildlife corridor. <br />• $8.2 million for the Eau Gallie muck dredging project to improve navigation and <br />water quality. <br />• $7.8 million in new state funding for springs protection projects and approximately <br />$3 million toward second -year cooperative projects that support local efforts to <br />protect spring flows and water quality. <br />• $7.5 million for the District's agricultural cooperative funding program, which assists <br />farmers in implementing water -saving technologies and helps fund dispersed water <br />storage projects. <br />• $2.8 million for land management restoration projects. <br />Major construction projects in the proposed budget include continued work at the Fellsmere <br />Water Management Area; completion of the Canal 1 Rediversion Project in Brevard and Indian <br />River counties, which are among the final components of the Upper St. Johns River Basin <br />Project; construction of the 1,300 -acre C-10 Reservoir in Brevard County; and flood protection <br />enhancement through water control structure and levee maintenance and rehabilitation. <br />The District will continue its emphasis on implementing projects directly benefiting water <br />resources while ensuring effective and efficient use of taxpayers' dollars. We also will continue <br />to work diligently to implement cost efficiencies throughout the agency. Please contact me at <br />(386) 329-4104 or ashortelle@sjrwmd.com if you need additional information. <br />Executive Director <br />cc: Attached Recipient List <br />2 <br />