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Register as to what it means to have a "River Navigator" and what it means to be a part of the American Heritage River Program. She thought it important they have an opportunity to look at the issue before they vote since there were very specific reasons why they did not support it in the past. Commissioner Stanbridge believed it to be a very positive thing for the river and that if Indian River County did not join with the other counties we would be left out and they will move on. She felt they should be very involved in what happens to the St. Johns River and the only way it could happen is if the Board is pro -active. Commissioner Tippin agreed with Commissioner Ginn. He had friends who owned property along the river who are fearful of what they might be able to do or not do with their property. This was the reason he voted against the issue the last time. He felt there were some real concerns. Vice Chairman Adams recalled that one of the early concerns was that there was not enough information, then some of the concerns were that it became part of a region of ecological concern which went into the Register in terms of what can be done. She pointed out some of the positive results of Federal funds which have helped to clean up the agricultural run-off into the river and which changed the whole flow of the river to a sheet flow, which allows the water to percolate back into the aquifer to allow the natural filtering of water before it moves up the system. The river supplies water to many cities north on the east coast. One of the early opponents of the program was John Thrasher and he is now one of the strongest proponents. A lot of the American Heritage money will probably be spent in the north end to clean up industrial run-offs. There are still many things that need doing and she hated for Indian River County to be out in the cold if the opportunities develop. Commissioner Stanbridge stressed that the American Heritage River Program does not negate any public property rights laws already on the books. She understood the fear of the some of the property owners along the river, but it would not take away any of their rights. In fact, by us joining with the other counties, if there is a problem, we can collectively work together to ensure that our government avoids the problem. But, if we are not a part of it, we will have no say. Chairman Macht commented that some of his original concerns have evaporated, but he thought it would not hurt to defer the matter for a week to give the Commissioners time to restudy it. FEBRUARY 9, 1999 51 BOOK 108 PAGE -324