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St . Johns River Alliance <br /> Memorandum of Understanding <br /> between <br /> United States Environmental Protection Agency, State of Florida <br /> Department of Environmental Protection , East Central Florida Regional <br /> Planning Council , Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council , and <br /> Subscribing Local Governments <br /> Whereas , the 310 -mile St. Johns River in the State of Florida was officially <br /> designated an American Heritage River by the President of the United States on <br /> July 30 , 1998 , in recognition of its ecological , historic , economic and cultural <br /> significance , and <br /> Whereas , subsequent thereto , a Partnership Agreement was executed <br /> between the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and State of Florida <br /> which established the St. Johns American Heritage River Initiative , provided for <br /> goals and objectives , provided for a Steering Committee for carrying out the goals <br /> and objectives of the program , provided for advisory committees , and provided for <br /> participation by federal agencies through the appointment of a River Navigator, and <br /> Whereas , the Steering Committee has worked with its primary partners , the <br /> Florida Department of Environmental Protection , St. Johns River Water <br /> Management District, and other state and federal partners to raise awareness <br /> about the importance of restoration , conservation , and public access relating to the <br /> St. Johns River culminating in a River Summit attended by over 1500 people who <br /> expressed continued interest in a watershed restoration and enhancement effort; <br /> and <br /> Whereas , as a result of the River Summit, the St . Johns Restoration <br /> Working Group was convened and concluded that the structure of the American <br /> Heritage Rivers Initiative provides the opportunity to convene a public-private <br /> partnership to further the goals of the American Heritage Rivers Initiative and the <br /> overall restoration goals of its partners through a new non- governmental <br /> organization ; and <br /> Whereas , the new St . Johns River Alliance will further the goals of the St. <br /> Johns American Heritage River Initiative , and the restoration goals of the Summit <br /> and promote , preserve , protect, restore , and celebrate the St . Johns River in <br /> recognition of its ecological , historic, economic , recreational and cultural <br /> significance , so that the public may gain a greater appreciation and understanding <br /> of its importance to the quality of life of current and future generations . <br /> Page 1 of 8 <br />