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ON MOTION by Commissioner Stanbridge, SECONDED by Commissioner Adams, the Board unanimously appointed Patricia Callahan, Recreation Director, to serve on the Board of Directors of the Treasure Coast Sports Commission representing the Indian River County Recreation Department. 13.D. COMMISSIONER RUTH STANBRIDGE - SUPPORT OF DESIGNATING ST. JOHNS RIVER AS AN AMERICAN HERITAGE RIVER The Board reviewed a Memorandum of February 12, 1999: To: Board of County Commissioners From: Ruth Stanbridge, County Commissioner Date: February 12, 1999 Subject: Support of St. Johns River as an American Heritage River The St. Johns River has been recognized as an American Heritage River, along side other great rivers, such as the Potomac and the Mississippi. The designation of American Heritage River, like that of the National Register, National Landmark, and areas of National Significance, not only promotes a sense of pride and of place for all Americans, but opens up opportunities for the. State and local communities to plan preservation, restoration and enhancement of these designated national treasures. Also, this recognition can offer protection from state and federal projects that would impact or destroy them. As a professional research historian and grant writer, I have employed designations such as the National Register, National Landmark and National Significance to bring tens of thousands of dollars of preservation and enhancement monies for projects in Indian River County. In one instance, the destruction of a private commercial building by a federal/state road project was prevented because the landowner had the foresight to have his building listed on the National Register. Without these nationally bestowed designations, no small county, such as ours, or even the State of Florida could hope to compete for our fair share of federal funds. As a researcher, I instinctively investigate each and every proposal I work on. Before I brought this recommendation to the Commission, I read and examined pages and pages of information, both primary documents and the numerous interpretations of the Program. I do not share the concerns and fears expressed in many of these articles because I have dealt with national designations and recognitions for years - there is no hidden agenda. The American Heritage River Program is a positive, exciting opportunity that invites local citizens and government to participate, and we should. The list on the attached page is by no means the entire list of supporters, but does contain counties/cities, individuals and organizations familiar to ail of us. The leaders of these local governments and organizations are people we know personally, and have worked with. They are well respected in their communities with outstanding credentials and high standards. They would not lend their names nor their organization's name to corruptible programs or activities that would damage or destroy our rights as Americans, or our American Heritage. FEBRUARY 16, 1999 -67-BOOK i0d PAGE 4,