Scott: Environmental record as governor set high standard
Recently, the Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board commented on my environmental record as governor of Florida, saying that improving on it would be “one low bar to clear” (“Water management boards have enough people now, just not the right ones,” Feb. 7). I believe the Editorial Board misrepresented the facts and take this opportunity to set the record straight about the work we did to protect and preserve Florida’s environment.
As governor of Florida, I focused on creating a strong economy where families and businesses could thrive. The results were great for Florida families. During my administration, Florida businesses created more than 1.7 million private-sector jobs, adding billions to state revenue so we could make critical investments in areas important to families, like the environment.
I am proud that we invested more than $2 billion to restore the Everglades, resulting in the acceleration of 16 Everglades projects, sending more water south and providing billions of gallons of water storage around Lake Okeechobee. We also allocated $100 million in state funding and secured full federal funding to expedite repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee to ensure we stopped harmful algae blooms in our waters. I am also proud that we invested more than $450 million for Florida’s springs — more money than any other administration in state history.
Because of our thriving economy, Florida’s annual investments to preserve the environment and protect the Everglades increased by $1 billion. I look forward to the Editorial Board explaining to its readers how these investments didn’t set a high bar.
Sen. Rick Scott Naples
Republican Rick Scott represents Florida in the U.S. Senate. He is the former governor of Florida.
