Laserfiche WebLink
It was noted in the February 2020 BCC meeting that Indian River County's population was <br />experiencing strong growth resulting in a loss of open space and creating a detrimental impact on <br />our water and wildlife resources. The last two years have seen that impact grow significantly with <br />the influx of new residents from out-of-state and other parts of Florida. The TPL completed the <br />feasibility study for a new bond in 2020 and has updated that in 2021. <br />Indian River County voters have approved local bonds twice: the first in 1992 and the second in <br />2004. Voters also overwhelmingly voted for Amendment 1 (2014) — the constitutional amendment <br />received support in excess of 75% -- which was supposed to jump start the State's premier land - <br />conservation program - Florida Forever. Our residents are keenly aware of the need to protect lands <br />to protect our water, our open space and our quality of life. <br />If the BCC approves referring a land -conservation bond to the 2022 ballot, the local environmental <br />organizations, with the assistance of TPL, will engage in an informational campaign with residents <br />explaining the benefits of the bond. <br />We enthusiastically request that the BCC authorize the following action during Commissioner <br />Adams corresponding agenda item: <br />MOTION by Commissioner (Seconded by Commissioner ): Direct <br />staff to bring a resolution, including ballot language, back to the Board of County <br />Commissioners on or before the March 8 meeting to refer a $50 million bond to acquire <br />and permanently preserve environmentally significant lands to the November 8, 2022 <br />general election ballot. Staff should work with the citizens coalition supporting the <br />referendum to draft the resolution and ballot language. <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br />1. Feasibility Study <br />Page 2 of 2 <br />4 <br />