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Tourism is one of the largest sectors of the local economy in Indian River County. According to an economic study prepared by the Center for Tourism Research & Development from the University of Florida, tourism provides an economic impact of $154 million annually in Indian River County. The most common activity for tourists in the County was visiting the beach (69%). Accordingly, loss of sand and access to beaches would clearly have the effect of reducing tourism along the County's 22.4 miles of shoreline. Environmental Impacts: Indian River County is home to the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, which is one of the largest sea turtle nesting beaches within the Western Hemisphere. In fact, we have seen increasing sea turtle nesting numbers the last few years. With the recent FEMA denial, Indian River County is not financially able to fully repair the $9.6 million in beach damages without funding assistance from the State, thereby affecting our local tourism. The FEMA denial not only affects Indian River County but all non-federal beach and dune nourishment projects from Brevard thru Broward, total estimated damages of over $50 million, by leaving them in a state of disrepair and significantly vulnerable. The only remaining alternative is for the State to partner with the impacted local governments to assist in the funding of beach stabilization projects. Chapter 161 of the Florida Statues provides a mechanism to provide up to a 75% state funding match for emergency beach stabilization projects. Indian River County respectfully requests your assistance to work in concert with your colleagues in the Legislature to pass a special and separate appropriation under statewide beach management for FY 2013/14. The damage to our statewide beaches not only jeopardizes public and private infrastructure but impacts tourism as well. As detailed above, this action is essential in order to perform necessary beach repairs that are critical to the statewide economy and our community's health and safety, as well as important environmental considerations including sea turtle and shorebird nesting. Enclosed for your reference is our November 7, 2012 Preliminary Damage Assessment Report documenting the immediate Post Hurricane Sandy beach damage throughout Indian River County. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Please let us know if there is anything you may need to further our request. Sincerely, J ph E. Flescher, Chairman Indian River County Board of County Commissioners cc: Joseph A. Baird, Indian River County Administrator Enclosure: Indian River County Preliminary Damage Assessment Report; dated November 7, 2012 66