Questions Remain About Negron Water Priority

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Negron’s bill seeks to bond $64 million next year through the state’s Land Acquisition Trust Fund, which receives money from taxes generated by real-estate documentary stamps. The state’s annual debt service payment would grow to $100 million through the 2037-2038 Fiscal Year.

House Republican leaders have been opposed to borrowing money for projects. Under Negron’s proposal, the federal government also would foot half the bill for the reservoir.

“The president has made it clear that the Senate considers the environment and water issues critical to the future of our state, and the budget reflects that,” said Senate Environment and Natural Resources Appropriations Chairman Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican who is sponsoring Negron’s water bill.

Wednesday’s meeting in the final committee Negron’s proposal would have to clear before appearing on the Senate floor. The bill also includes $35 million annually for the St. Johns River, its tributaries or the Keystone Heights lake region in North Florida, as well as $2 million annually for water issues in the Florida Keys and $20 million to help with the Indian River Lagoon.