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State Will Pay High Price If It Drops Florida Forever

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 9, 2009

At a time when Florida has to cut funding for schools, nursing homes and the disabled, only the most zealous environmentalist would oppose trimming the state's land acquisition program.

But the proposal to halt all funding for the highly successful Florida Forever would be damaging to the environment, the economy and taxpayers.

The program issues about $300 million a year in bonds to fund the purchase of significant tracts throughout the state.

The debt payment is about $20 million a year. State Sen. J.D. Alexander, a Lake Wales Republican, wants to use that money for other purposes, meaning the program would be suspended.

Lawmakers instead should heed the advice of former Republican Gov. Bob Martinez, who originated the program in 1990.

"Give it a haircut, but don't stop funding it," Martinez advises. "With land prices plummeting, the state could miss out on some terrific deals."

Martinez, a former Tampa mayor, suggests allocating $15 million or even $10 million for the bonds to give the state an opportunity to realize some rare bargains.

Buying the land makes financial sense. It does more than protect wildlife and help keep the state a beautiful and fun place to live.

The acquisitions protect the state's imperiled water supply, prevent costly, sprawling growth and sustain the state's growing ecotourism industry.

If Florida misses out on buying important tracts now, it will end up paying far more later or lose the resources altogether. But Martinez points out another reason keeping the program going during these tough financial times is prudent.

"It's not like this money just goes away," he says. "Many of these landowners will invest it. It will go back into banking, development and other things. It should have a direct impact on employment and it can help capitalize the financial system."

Florida Forever has been one of state government's most successful and efficient programs. It has acquired more than 1.7 million acres, usually at prices below market value. It has been scandal free.

Lawmakers last year extended the program through 2020, a wise decision because the need remains great. Some 1.3 million acres are still targeted for acquisition.

The program prompted more than 25 counties to create similar programs that often share the costs of land purchases with the state. So if Florida drops its conservation effort, the counties' purchasing power will also be affected.

Fortunately, Gov. Charlie Crist, who has been a strong proponent of the program, is opposed to a suspension. Senate President Jeff Atwater should make it clear that no such plan will make it through the chamber.

This doesn't mean some temporary cut is not justified. During these lean times, sacrifices should be expected all around.

But, as Martinez points out, Florida will pay a high price if lawmakers turn Florida Forever into Florida Maybe Later.

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