January 20th, 2019
Chad Gillis, Fort Myers News-Press
Environmental groups say a recent $2.5 billion executive order may sound expensive but not addressing Florida’s ailing waterways actually costs more.
Gov. Ron DeSantis last week issued the order, which, if executed, will fund water quality projects not included in Everglades restoration plans.
Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani pointed to a 2015 Florida Realtors report that showed Lee and Martin county property values are suppressed by about $900 million a year because of poor water quality as proof that the order is needed.
Property values in both counties have gone up but would be higher if the waters were cleaner, the report says.
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