Holly Raschein files Florida Keys Stewardship Act

State Rep. Holly Raschein has filed what she calls her “top legislative priority for the 2016 Legislative Session,” a bill to create a Florida Keys Stewardship Act.

Raschein, a Key Largo Republican, submitted the bill (HB 447) on Tuesday, with a Senate companion soon to follow from state Sen. Wilton Simpson, a Trilby Republican.

The act seeks to invest $25 million yearly for 10 years “into the Florida Keys’ most significant environmental needs, including nearshore water quality, restoration and protection through wastewater, stormwater and canal water restoration; water supply protection; and land investment for critical habitat protection, public safety, property rights and military base protection,” a news release said.

“The Florida Keys truly has an unparalleled environment that can’t be found anywhere else, as it is home to the world’s largest barrier reef, a national marine sanctuary, national and state parks, wildlife refuges, state aquatic reserves, and unique marine life and ecosystem,”  including coral reefs, Raschein said.

“These one-of-a-kind surroundings have a high value not only for the local community, but for the entire State of Florida, especially since the Keys’ three most valuable industries – tourism, military, and commercial and recreational fishing – utilize and rely on this environment every day,” she said. 

The bill includes a provision, beginning in fiscal year 2016-17, to authorize bonds not exceeding $200 million, and limited to $20 million per fiscal year, specifically to fund the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern protection program.

“In fact, the Keys’ three most valuable industries generate more than $200 million in sales tax revenue annually for Florida,” Raschein said. “However, investments are needed to preserve this unique, high-value habitat of the Florida Keys, protect the investments the state has already made in the Keys and ensure a long-lasting legacy for future generations of Floridians.

“This is why I have chosen to make the Florida Keys Stewardship Act my top legislative priority for this session. The Florida Keys Stewardship Act is an important state investment in the unparalleled, high-value environment of the Florida Keys, with a significant return on investment for the entire State of Florida.”