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RESOLUTION NO. 2003- 122 <br />A RESOLUTION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA <br />SUPPORTING CONTINUED FUNDING OF BEACH <br />MANAGEMENT OF $30 MILLION ANNUALLY FROM <br />DOCUMENTARY STAMP REVENUES UNDER THE <br />FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT AND <br />RESTORATION TRUST FUND. <br />WHEREAS, Beaches are Florida's most recognized and productive economic and <br />environmental asset, and sandy beaches, including those enhanced by beach restoration and <br />nourishment, are Florida's largest playground, public park, and habitat for endangered species. <br />WHEREAS, Florida had 75 6 million visitors in 2002, with beaches being the number one <br />tourist destination. <br />WHEREAS, Florida's economy benefits from $21.9 billion in direct spending and $19.7 <br />billion in indirect spending by beach -going tourists (2000). <br />WHEREAS, Beaches contribute over $1 billion in tourist -related sales tax to state revenues <br />annually. <br />WHEREAS, There are 442,000 jobs created by beach -related tourism, with a resulting $8 <br />billion payroll. <br />WHEREAS, Over half of Florida's 825 miles of sandy beaches are experiencing erosion, and <br />333 miles of Florida beaches have been designated as critically eroded by the Florida Department of <br />Environmental Protection. <br />WHEREAS, The Florida Legislature, pursuant to Section 161.088 F.S., has declared beach <br />erosion to be a serious threat to the economic and general welfare of the state and its residents; and <br />has further declared it to be a necessary governmental responsibility to preserve Florida's beaches and <br />make provision for beach restoration projects. <br />WHEREAS, The Florida Legislature in 1998, pursuant to Sections 161.091 and 201.15 F.S., <br />unanimously reaffirmed its commitment to our beaches by providing that funding of $30 million <br />annually be deposited in the Ecosystem Management and Restoration Trust Fund for purposes of <br />beach restoration and repair, and that documentary stamp revenues shall be the source of that <br />fundmg. <br />WHEREAS, This program represents a cost-effective intergovernmental partnership which <br />leverages local and federal government matching dollars. <br />WHEREAS, To provide anything less than the $30 million in state funding for FY 04-05 will <br />result in federal and state matching beach dollars being diverted for other uses, and will send a <br />message to intergovernmental partners that the State of Florida is backing away from its commitment <br />to healthy beaches <br />