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r FFR 17 <br />Boa 88 F,�rt <br />industry as well as emergency planning staff from the four counties <br />and major municipalities. <br />Mr. Carey emphasized that many projects require regional <br />planning. For example, if a high speed rail system is constructed <br />in central Florida, it will take the focus away from the coastal <br />areas. Participation in a regional planning council enables local <br />governments to influence the decision on this project. <br />Mr. Carey agreed that many of the TCRPC's responsibilities <br />could be transferred to local governments, which would give his <br />staff more time to concentrate on major projects, such as hurricane <br />evacuation planning and developments of regional impact. He agreed <br />that there is duplication in government agencies. He felt that the <br />Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) could be eliminated <br />because regional planning councils are more knowledgeable about <br />local issues and can do a better job than a state agency located in <br />Tallahassee. Mr. Carey stressed that TCRPC staff members have <br />advanced degrees in biology and ecology and have a great deal of <br />credibility with state agencies. He reminded the Board that the <br />TCRPC is not a state agency, although some people have started to <br />view it as a state agency because responsibilities have been <br />delegated to his office that were previously handled at the state <br />level. Unfortunately, the state still reviews everything, <br />resulting in confusion, conflict and misinformation at the local <br />level. Mr. Carey pointed out that not only does the TCRPC save <br />counties much more money than they pay in the form of dues, it can <br />help counties obtain grants. For example, an application for a <br />bike path system grant is currently in the final stages of <br />approval. Indian River County is at the top of the list for <br />receiving the money because the proposal was carefully designed and <br />well thought out. Mr. Carey summarized that this is probably the <br />• fastest-growing region in the United States, with rapid <br />urbanization as well as rapid expansion of agriculture because it <br />is below the freeze line. He felt that the TCRPC has represented <br />the rights of agriculture and development while protecting habitat. <br />He hoped the Board will agree that the TCRPC has done a good job <br />and can continue to do so. He asked the Board to focus on the <br />specific areas where they feel the TCRPC can do better, or areas of <br />responsibility that should be transferred to local governments. <br />Commissioner Eggert commented that she was chairman of the <br />TCRPC when comprehensive plans were being formulated, and that <br />proved to be one of the most frustrating experiences she had ever <br />been through. She realized the TCRPC has had a lot of major <br />accomplishments in terms of studies and planning. However, she <br />felt as though the needs of Indian River County have not been met <br />4 <br />