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Clean Water Coalition <br />ewe <br />of Indian River County, Inc. <br />September 11, 2024 <br />Dear Commissioners, <br />�rGl Mi nar 'budge-! <br />On behalf of the Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County (CWC), we want to extend our <br />heartfelt appreciation for recent decisions made in support of the community's desire for a <br />healthy environment. Recent hires of additional personnel in the Natural Resources Department, <br />along with progress toward the acquisition of public lands indicate a strong commitment to the <br />environment, including the Indian River Lagoon. <br />We're especially happy to see the renewed commitment to fund Lagoon Projects in the current <br />proposed budget. We applaud the County's efforts, including the decision to allocate at least <br />20% of the 1 -cent sales tax to these critical initiatives. For the past 5 years, the results have been <br />undeniable, with more than $29 million generated for Lagoon projects. <br />We believe that it is important to continue this momentum into the future because restoring 50 <br />years of damaging impact on the Lagoon will not be completed quickly. We therefore urge the <br />Commissioners to formally recommit the 20% (or more) of the Optional Sales Tax to Lagoon <br />Projects for at least another 5 years. <br />Thank you for being champions of the Indian River Lagoon. <br />Sincerely, <br />6"4*udy Orcutt, President <br />Clean Water Coalition <br />