Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee Basin could soon begin to see a change in water quality.

Lawmakers set aside 200-million dollars in this year’s session in order to help with the clean up efforts of Lake Okeechobee. This goes along with the 200-million already devoted to restoration efforts. Carol Wehle is the executive director of South Florida Water Management District. She says this was a big deal for lawmakers especially Governor Charlie Crist.

“And this was the number one environmental issue for the governor. I know that he came to Lee County and he came to Martin County and personally witnessed what has happened and so I have every indication that he will sign this legislation when it gets to his desk.”

Wehle says in the next couple of years the district will do a number of water quality projects. They also plan to create additional storage for extra water. – in an effort to keep any dirty water out of the estuaries.