TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Republican committee chairs in the state House and Senate filed bills Monday directing the state to develop a plan for restoring North Florida’s Ocklawaha River.
Details: The legislation, filed by state Sen. Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford) and state Rep. Wyman Duggan (R-Jacksonville), would direct the Department of Environmental Protection to develop the restoration project plan by July 1, 2027.
The legislation follows Gov. Ron DeSantis’ state budget veto last June of $6.25 million for restoring the river, which would include removing the Rodman Reservoir dam. Supporters say restoration would allow flooded springs to emerge, create new recreational opportunities and encourage manatees and fish to migrate upstream from the St. Johns River.
DeSantis did not say why he vetoed the funding. But the move was requested by state Sen. Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach) after the Putnam County Commission said it opposed the dam removal.
