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shortage of water in the Brevard area, and the City of Cocoa is bringing their drinking water from the Orlando area. Mrs. Wilson stated that Brevard and Indian River Counties are the two largest water users in the 19 county district, and the Ad Hoc Committee did make a recommendation that Indian River 1-iounty should reserve the right for use of this water. Commissioner Bird expressed concern about the C-54 canal and asked if its average water level is maintained by ground water level or by discharges from the west coming through the canal or by a combination. Mr. Carter explained that there are two sets of structures that maintain that level. Commissioner Bird believed the present plan is to reduce significantly the amount of water coming through the C-54 canal and discharging into the river, which makes sense from a water management standpoint, but it will have an effect on the recreational value of the canal. Mr. Carter did not anticipate any significant different in the operation of the canal except to reduce the times they need to open those structures. COMMISSIONER SCURLOCK CALLED FOR THE QUESTION. It was voted on and carried unanimously. Chairman Lyons had another concern. He noted that obviously the St. Johns River is a major asset for the State of Florida. Our county, however, is taking some thousands of dollars off our tax rolls, as are other counties to the north, to assure the life of this river for the benefit of everyone between here and Jacksonville, and he would like the Committee to take a look at the percentage of our contribution, which is being borne by a relatively small number of people, and give some consideration to trying to get legislation to have the District collect monies and 43 EP 4 1985 BOOK