Florida lawmakers are moving ahead with a new plan for restoration of the Everglades.

A Senate panel on Thursday unanimously approved a bill that would keep intact an existing tax on farmers until 2036. The money from the tax will be used to help pay for restoration projects.

The legislation (SB 768) also calls for spending $32 million a year for the next 10 years.

The bill has the backing of environmental groups and sugar farmers. The House is scheduled to debate a similar bill Thursday.

The measure is backed by Gov. Rick Scott since it carries out the agreement that he negotiated with the federal government.

There have been legal battles over the fate of the famed River of Grass for the last two decades.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Tamiami Trail bridge was held Tuesday.