Ocklawaha River Restoration Plan Advances to Floor as Senate Seeks $15 Million

Overview

• SB 1066 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee 17–1 and now awaits a floor vote.
• The House companion, HB 981, has also cleared committees and is ready for floor consideration.
• The bill orders breaching the Kirkpatrick (Rodman) Dam and decommissioning the Buckman Lock, with backers citing a high-hazard designation and no flood-control or power benefits.
• The Senate’s budget proposal includes $15 million for the Ocklawaha restoration effort.
• The legislation couples river restoration with state grant-funded recreation projects in Putnam, Marion, Clay and St. Johns counties overseen by a new local council.