WASHINGTON — Florida Gov. Rick Scott said Wednesday that President Donald Trump has promised the federal government will provide the money to help the state fully upgrade the Herbert Hoover Dike by 2022, a project considered vital to stemming disruptive overflows from Lake Okeechobee.
At the White House for a veterans’ bill signing ceremony, Scott said he got a verbal commitment from the president that Florida would get enough money to finish the project within five years. “I asked the president if he would commit to put up the funding to fix the dike and he said he would,” the governor told reporters later in the day about his discussions with the president, a close political ally.
If the state legislature approves Scott’s request for $200 million in this year’s budget to upgrade the dike, the federal share would presumably be around $600 million to meet the 2022 target.
Scott believes the repairs will allow the lake to hold more water, thereby reducing the need for discharges to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers, which have suffered from contaminated run-off and algae blooms in recent years.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio said: “I’m glad the president supports the rehabilitation of the Herbert Hoover Dike and plans to include $200 million towards this effort in his fiscal year 2018 budget. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will work closely with my colleagues to ensure Florida has the resources it needs to complete this important infrastructure project that is essential to protecting the environment and keeping area residents safe.”
Governor Rick Scott
Governor Rick Scott to Hold Media Availability in D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, April 19, Governor Rick Scott joined President Donald Trump for the signing of the Veterans Choice Program Extension and Improvement Act and met with members of his Administration to discuss issues important to Florida. He will be available to the media to discuss his trip to D.C.
WHAT: Media Availability
WHEN: 3:45 PM
WHERE: Outside of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters
441 G Street NW
Washington, D.C.
Governor Scott joins President Trump for Veterans Bill Signing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Governor Rick Scott joined President Trump for the signing of the Veteran’s Choice Program Extension and Improvement Act.
Governor Scott said, “My father served in WWII and I proudly served in the United States Navy and I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to our military and our veterans. I was honored to join him today as he signed this important bill for our veterans.”
ICYMI: U.S. Travel Praises Florida Governor’s Tourism Funding Proposal
U.S. Travel Praises Florida Governor’s Tourism Funding Proposal
Press Release: U.S. Travel Association
April 18, 2017
U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement in praise of Florida Governor Rick Scott’s $100 million funding proposal for VISIT FLORIDA:
“Last year, Florida enjoyed record tourism growth, despite a multitude of headwinds—growth that would not have been possible without the efforts of VISIT FLORIDA. The investment proposal of $100 million announced today by Governor Scott demonstrates the value he places on tourism promotion to his state’s economy, and represents exactly the kind of bold vision required to expand jobs for hard-working Floridians…”
To see the full press release, click HERE.
ICYMI: WWSB: Gov. Scott Pushes for Funding for Herbert Hoover Dike
“Gov. Scott Pushes for Funding for Herbert Hoover Dike”
WWSB (ABC) – Tampa Bay, FL
April 18, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
VIDEO: Gov. Scott Requests $100 Million for VISIT FLORIDA
After meeting with tourism leaders from across the state today, Governor Rick Scott urged the Florida Legislature to fully fund VISIT FLORIDA at $100 million.
ICYMI: WINK: Gov. Scott Wants $200 Million to Fix Herbert Hoover Dike
“Gov. Scott Wants $200 Million to Fix Herbert Hoover Dike”
WINK-FTM (CBS) – Fort Myers, FL
April 18, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
Governor Rick Scott to Host Zika Preparedness Roundtable in Duval County
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tomorrow, April 18, Governor Rick Scott will host a roundtable discussion with community leaders in Jacksonville regarding efforts to prepare for and combat the Zika Virus.
WHAT: Zika Preparedness Roundtable
WHEN: 9:00 AM
WHERE: Duval County Department of Health
900 University Blvd. N.
Jacksonville, Florida 32211
Gov. Scott announces resignation of Melinda Miguel
Eric Miller to join as Chief Inspector General
Governor Rick Scott today announced Chief Inspector General Melinda Miguel’s resignation, which will be effective today. Melinda Miguel will be pursuing opportunities in the private sector. Click HERE to see her resignation letter. Eric Miller, who currently serves as Inspector General at the Agency for Health Care Administration, will serve as the Governor’s Chief Inspector General beginning Friday, April 21, 2017.
Governor Scott said, “Melinda has done a great job serving our state as Inspector General, and I’m extremely grateful for her commitment to ensuring government remains accountable to Florida taxpayers. She has been a valuable part of my team for over six years and I wish her success in her new endeavor as a business owner.”
Melinda Miguel said, “I’d like to thank Governor Scott for his leadership during my time as his Chief Inspector General for the past six years. It has been an honor to serve Florida’s families and work to make Florida even better for our future generations.”
Governor Scott continues, “Eric has dedicated his career to serving our state for more than twenty years. As Inspector General at AHCA, Eric has firsthand experience in fighting fraud and ensuring tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively. I am confident he will continue his great work as Chief Inspector General in my office.”
Eric Miller has served in his current position as Inspector General at AHCA since September, 2011. Prior to this role, Eric served as Manager of Corporate Compliance at Citizens Property Insurance Corporation from 2008 to 2011. He has also served in various leadership roles in Florida state government since 1993. Eric received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the University of West Florida and his Master of Science in Public Administration from Troy University.
Gov. Scott appoints Steven A. Wellins to North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Steven A. Wellins to the North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners.
Steven A. Wellins, 50, of Fort Lauderdale, is the senior vice president of investments for Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. Wellins received his bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Miami and a master’s degree in economics from Florida State University. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning April 17, 2017, and ending June 29, 2017.
