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Congressman Weldon then explained that the major difference in Brevard County's renourishment projects is that the loss of sand could be traced to the Port Canaveral Inlet, which is a federal inlet, while Indian River County's loss can be traced to Sebastian Inlet, which is a state inlet. Therefore, there can be no federal funding for Indian River County's renourishmentprojects. Also, the Clinton/Gore administration opposes beachrenourishment projects, believing the process should be left to nature. He then commended the County for its support of the purchase of an additional 190 acres which has come up for sale as an additional Pelican Island buffer. He suggested that perhaps an interim buyer could be found for that property as it is a large parcel and it may be difficult to obtain funding for such a large piece in one year's budget cycle. CommissionerAdams commented thatthe Countyis verygratefulto the Congressman for keeping the federal funding alive but expressed her concern about the length of time involved in any federal funding. Any type of serious storm will further damage the County's coastline and beach renourishment is high priority for us, as well as keeping all funding sources open. She noted that the Downdrift Coalition and others are filing an "intent to sue" with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Sebastian Inlet Taxing District and had requested that the County join in that pending lawsuit. The County has declined to join at this time and prefers to seek a sand transfer facility at the Inlet. Chairman Macht believed that it is erroneous to think the federal government does not bear responsibility for the loss of sand on the County's beaches when their damming of various rivers that feed the coastline has contributed greatly to the problem. Congressman Weldon agreed that he would make that argument in Congress and support getting federal dollars for Indian River County. Commissioner Stanbridge noted that the County has initiated a Habitat Conservation Plan for the entire coastline which serves to prove that the County is committed to protecting species habitat and the renourishment of our beaches. Commissioner Ginn thanked Congressman Weldon for his support of funding and for his assistance in getting the old ordnance off South Beach. She noted that the largest sand pumping project currently underway is in Panama City and believed that 60% of the funding for that project comes from FEMA or other federal funds, while 30% is being paid by the state and 10% being paid by tourist development funds. APRIL 9,1999-3- KOK Fa��