TALLAHASSEE — As the Senate pursues an ambitious $220 million plan to redirect water and reduce pollutants in South Florida, the next House speaker wants lawmakers to consider a broader approach to the vast water problems confronting the entire state.
Rep. Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, wants lawmakers to factor in water issues faced by the agriculture industry and drinking-water sources, as well as problems facing Florida’s freshwater springs, the Apalachicola River region in Florida’s Panhandle and the northern Indian River Lagoon, as they prepare to allocate money for water-resource projects in next year’s budget.