WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) _ The South Florida Water Management District has laid off 134 employees. The Palm Beach Post reports that the layoffs will save the district $9 million.

Among those cut over the last week are 20 scientists, nine engineers and two attorneys.

The scientists had an average of 15 years of service, and 11 were senior or lead scientists. These cuts, in addition to 19 scientists who took a buyout in June, and others who left beforehand, reduce the staff that handles the most technical projects, like Everglades restoration.

The CEO of the Everglades Foundation says he is concerned about the cuts. A district official says he is confident those who remain are capable of continuing restoration programs.

A new law reduces the amount of property taxes the district can collect.