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Bournique Letter <br />Page 3 of 3 <br />May 6, 2014 <br />storm water discharges from Indian River County's canal systems to the Lagoon <br />threaten to erode all aspects of the once strong economic and environmental <br />foundation. The annual recreational use value just in Indian River County is $101 <br />million per year! The decrease in water quality has a domino effect on the aquatic life <br />below the surface and visitor use above. The unintended consequences of our actions <br />o r in -action could be a prolonged loss of property values along this waterway. Once <br />that happens, communities, counties and cities will all experience a decrease in tax <br />bases and a perception of avoidance for guests and visitors who want to come to the <br />sunshine state to spend their dollars locally <br />The funding requested will be used to outline a road map based on sound technical and <br />advisory personnel who will evaluate the options and provide guidance. The re- <br />connection/regional attenuation plan has been discussed for far too long and action is <br />needed now. This plan has been endorsed by the Indian River Lagoon National <br />Estuary Program, the Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments representing <br />Counties of Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie: Cities of Fellsmere, Fort <br />Pierce, Sebastian, Stuart and Vero Beach and the Towns of Jupiter Island, Indian <br />River Shores, Sewall's Point and St Lucie Village. <br />The SFWMD, SJRWMD, Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Florida have an <br />o pportunity to create a lasting legacy for generations to come. The funding support that <br />SJRWMD provides, in concert with other state and federal agencies, will serve as a <br />catalyst to begin the epic endeavor which is vital to our way of life and our ability to <br />e nhance the environmental benefits that are critical in bringing this vision to fruition. <br />erely, <br />Peter D. O'Bryan, Chair <br />Indian River County Board of County Commissioners <br />cc: Board of County Commissioners <br />