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RESOLUTION NO. 93-.109 A RESOLUTION OF THE INDIAN RIVER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE U.S. FISH i WILDLIFE SERVICE (USFWS) BAY/ESTUARY PROGRAM EFFORT FOR THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON WHEREAS, the coastal areas of the U.S. comprise only 5-10• of the nation's land area yet provide enormous public benefits well beyond the land area occupied; and WHEREAS, the Indian River Lagoon basin comprises an important natural coastal resource, and is recognized as an estuary of national significance; and WHEREAS, natural undeveloped coastal lands such as those found within the Indian River Lagoon basin support a high diversity of fish, wildlife, and unique habitats which have great aesthetic appeal and attract tremendous numbers of visitors annually; and WHEREAS, these coastal lands support a highly disproportionate share of the nation's population and associated urban and industrial growth; and WHEREAS, the cumulative impact of human activities in the Indian River Lagoon continues to result in the diminishment of the natural values of the fish and wildlife carrying capacity and a significant deterioration of the environmental support functions these areas provide to the public at large; and WHEREAS, the USFWS provides an important and diverse role in the protection and enhancement of the nation's coastal resources; and WHEREAS, the USFWS has determined a need to redouble its efforts to meet the developing challenges in the nation's coastal area; and WHEREAS, in answer to this need the USFWS launched its Coastal Initiative; and WHEREAS, the foundation of the Coastal Initiative is the Bay/Estuary Program; and WHEREAS, the Indian River Lagoon has been targeted for $200,000 in funds to initiate this effort during federal fiscal year 1994, with incremental increases scheduled to a maximum of $1.25 million per year after five years; and WHEREAS, the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners recognizes the importance of the Indian River Lagoon as a diverse and unique resource to the region, state, and nation; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FULLY SUPPORTS THE FULL FUNDING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BAY/ESTUARY PROGRAM FOR THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON AS PROPOSED TO .BEGIN WITH FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 1994.