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The legislature had directions from voters to spend millions of dollars on conservation land. But as Matt Galka tells us, environmentalists say they didn’t accomplish that task – and it could end with a date in front of a judge.

Lawmakers had 700 million dollars to devote toward environmental conservation under the voter approved Amendment 1. Eric Draper with Audubon Florida says the amount that’s actually being committed to land acquisition is far less than that.

“The legislature only put $17 million into Florida Forever, that’s about one-tenth what we ask them to put with amendment one dollars. And that’s way off base for what the voter thought they were voting for,” said Draper.

Will Abberger, who helped get Amendment 1 on 2014’s November ballot, says $17 million dollars is a slap in the face to the 75 percent of Floridians who cast ballots.

“Frankly, Matt, that’s an insult to Florida voters when the 4.2 million voted yes on amendment one last November they voted to funds the land acquisition trust fund,” he said.

The hope was that $300 million dollars would be committed to the Florida Forever program to be put towards buying land. State leaders say they’re meeting the amendments requirements.

“I think the budget shows it covers the acquisition of land and water,” said House Speaker Steve Crisafulli.

Environmentalist now say that the amendment one issue could be decided in a courtroom.

“What the legislature is doing now is inconsistent with the purpose and intent of amendment one,” said Abberger.

So where is all the money going? State agencies will be getting a cut.

“If they put money into making sure there are paper towels in the bathrooms, is that the purpose of Amendment 1 dollars? We’re not so sure,” said Draper.

If the matter is eventually decided by a judge funding levels aren’t likely to change this year. The legislature would most likely be given more directions on how to spend the money in the future.

Lawmakers are expect to pass the budget with current Amendment one funding levels on Friday.