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Bournique Letter Page 2 of 3 May 6, 2014 Lagoon, increased turbidity levels and nutrient loads which in turn have caused biological chain reactions of harmful Algal Blooms (HAB's). Such blooms have had dire consequences to the entire ecosystem The re -connection plan/regional attenuation system is not a new concept. Historically one can look back at the congressionally passed Flood Control Acts of 1948 and 1954. The United States Congress enacted the necessary authorization for the flood control of the areas through prudent water management policies and tactics At the time the plans included Targe scale reservoirs designed to efficiently move and store waters out west and allow flow to travel in a North/South pattern rather than conveying vast amounts of waters West to East. The existing flow patterns now carry large discharge volumes of dissolved nutrients and silt which have contributed to the deterioration of the Indian River Lagoon. In the mid -1970's the Florida legislature, through Chapter 373 and based on the prior federal 1948 and 1954 flood control acts, created separate water management districts such as the SJRWMD and the SFWMD to better manage this resource. The delineation of these Districts is along the Indian River/St Lucie County line. In recent times, the rapid transition to urban development has not only increased the water shed areas but has placed an additional hydraulic burden on the Lagoon through large volumetric discharges that flow un -abated. In Indian River County, an annual average daily flow of up to 96 Million Gallons a Day (MGD) flow to tide, subject to seasonal precipitation fluctuations. Similar effects are evident along the 156 mile Lagoon where agricultural uses are being replaced by urban development. Like a patient in the intensive care unit, the Lagoon is on life-support. We must cooperatively work together to stop or reduce these anthropogenic influences that prohibit proper healing. The grand vision for the ambitious project is to re -connect the hydraulically severed waterways between the separate Districts. The North/South direction of water flow will serve multiple water management purposes and stake holders both immediately and through a long term process. In addition to the decrease in west -east discharges that are continuing to degrade the viability of the Lagoon, the re-connection/regional attenuation system will allow water to be stored in such a way as to help agricultural users with irrigation needs, continue to provide flood control, recharge ailing aquifer systems and enhance options for using the surface water as a potential alternative water supply for potable consumption needs. Failure to act now will lead this great state down the pathway of inevitability and drought -caused implications like what the State of California and Texas have seen this past year. Improper handling of this precious resource will only amplify our needs to proactively act now to set in place a plan and a road map for this effort. In addition to the environmental benefits outlined, the economic benefits of the Lagoon are great The estimated annual economic value provided by this estuary amounts to $415 million for Martin County, $611 million to St. Lucie County and $491 million to Indian River County totaling $1.5 billion per year. The potential of up to 96 MGD of