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RESOLUTION NO. 2009- 002 WHEREAS, through this legislative creation of the Water Management Districts of the State of Florida, the surface water system of the Fort Drum Marsh lies in western Indian River and St. Lucie and eastern Okeechobee Counties, which was previously connected, are now physically disconnected, and previous Flood Control Act project designs and associated stormwater routing are now hindered from functioning as an effective regional system, thus limiting the options available for more effective surface water management for the multi -faceted benefits of environmental water quality and discharges, water supply, ground water recharge and flood control; and WHEREAS, in recognition of the potential benefits associated with this reconnection project, both the St. Johns River Water Management District and the South Florida Water Management District, contracted jointly for an engineering study to determine the feasibility and associated benefits with this reconnection project; and WHEREAS, the engineer's report on behalf of both the Water Management Districts concluded the proposed reconnection project and associated structural components would (i) be beneficial through the reduction of fresh water — stormwater discharges into the Indian River Lagoon, a protected national estuary; (ii) improve surface water storage and flood water routing; (iii) create positive ground water recharge; (iv) and provide a related decrease in ground water withdrawals; and WHEREAS, in consideration of the potential dynamics associated with climate changes in Florida as witnessed most recently by flooding associated with Tropical Storm Fay, and the multi -faceted benefits associated with improved surface water management through the construction and operations of a project as proposed, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, that: 1. The Board supports the efforts of the St. Johns and South Florida Water Management Districts and other interested parties to move this regional water management project forward to a successful conclusion. 2. The Board supports the physical reconnection of the St. Johns and South Florida Water Management Districts through the construction of a series of interconnected reservoirs, stormwater treatment areas, and canal systems within the Fort Drum Marsh Area to provide the multi- faceted benefits of improved water quality, water quality/flood control, reduced discharges into the Indian River Lagoon and improved regional ground water recharges. 2