Robinson Preserve won’t receive state funding as Scott vetoes budget item

A popular Manatee County nature preserve was one of the items on Gov. Rick Scott’s budget chopping block, taking away more than a half-million dollars that would have gone toward its expansion.

Scott’s reasoning for blocking the $600,000 in the Legislature’s budget for Robinson Preserve, as detailed in his veto letter, is that it has already received funding for “similar conservation activities through dedicated programs,” so it’s more appropriate that it should be the responsibility of those existing local, state and federal programs.

“We are very encouraged by the governor’s support of the legislative appropriations of $1.5 million for Rubonia for the water quality benefits that will come from that investment,” said Manatee County parks and natural resources director Charlie Hunsicker, referring to funding approved for stormwater and drainage improvements for the community.

Rubonia, which sits between U.S. 41 and Interstate 275, has been plagued with flooding issues during the rainy season. Although the county had asked for $2.8 million, these funds will help fix a roadway system that is more than 100 years old.

Hunsicker said the county was “somewhat disappointed” with the denial of funds for Robinson Preserve.

A $14-million, 150-acre expansion project is 85 percent done, Hunsicker said, and less than $1 million is coming from property taxes. The project includes more oyster beds that will help with water clarification and habitat, a 1,700-square-foot education center, a nearly 2-mile trail and kayak launches.

With the slight hiccup in funding, Hunsicker said he doesn’t know if this will be a setback, depending on how quickly they can find alternative funds to fill the void.

“We will not deter our mission to complete the project,” Hunsicker said.

This story was originally published June 5, 2017 at 5:07 PM with the headline "Robinson Preserve won’t receive state funding as Scott vetoes budget item."