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$ 154 million annually in Indian River County. The most common activity for tourists in the County was visiting the beach (69%) . Accordingly, loss of sand and access. to beaches would clearly have the effect of reducing tourism along the County's 22 .4 miles of shoreline . Environmental Impacts : Indian River County is home to the Archie Carr National , Wildlife Refuge , which is one of . the largest sea turtle nesting beaches within the Western. Hemisphere . In fact, we have seen increasing sea turtle nesting numbers the last few years. With the recent FEMA denial , Indian River County is not financially able to fully repair the $ 9 . 6 million in beach damages without funding assistance from the State , thereby affecting our local tourism . The FEMA denial not only affects Indian River County, but all non -federal beach and dune nourishment projects from Brevard thru Broward , total estimated damages of over $ 50 million , by leaving them in a state of disrepair and significantly vulnerable . The only remaining alternative is for the State to partner with the impacted local governments to assist in the funding of beach stabilization projects . Chapter 161 of the Florida Statues provides a mechanism to provide up to a 75 % state funding match for emergency beach stabilization projects . Indian River County respectfully requests your assistance to work in concert with your colleagues in the Legislature to pass a special and separate appropriation under statewide beach management for FY 2013/14 . The damage to our statewide beaches not only jeopardizes public and private infrastructure , but impacts tourism as well . As detailed above , this action is essential in order to perform necessary beach repairs that are critical to the statewide economy and our community' s health and safety, as well as important environmental considerations including sea turtle and shorebird nesting . Enclosed for your reference is our November 7 , 2012 Preliminary Damage Assessment Report documenting the immediate Post Hurricane Sandy beach damage throughout Indian River County. Thank you in advance for your assistance . Please let us know if there is anything you may need to further our request. Sincerely , ' C • osep E . Flescher, Chairman Indian River County Board of County Commissioners cc: Joseph A. Baird , Indian River County Administrator Enclosure : Indian River County Preliminary Damage Assessment Report; dated November 7 , 2012