07/14/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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�M kY-fM" `:x?nay 2014-15 Legislative Program N AirtlM+iM Central Sewer Systems: SUPPORT the authority of county government to require mandatory connection to central sewer systems as they become available. WATER RESOURCES Water Funding: SUPPORT legislation that enhances regional and local financial capacity to address water supply development and the flexibility of all available funding sources. SUPPORT the funding of the Water Protection and Sustainability Program within the Department of Environmental Protection for the development of alternative water supplies, water quality improvement projects, and comprehensive water infrastructure needs. SUPPORT sustained commitment of state resources for regional systems of statewide importance, such as rivers, springs and the Everglades. SUPPORT renewed funding for alternative water supply projects, conservation, and the TMDL program. Water Supply: OPPOSE any shift of the water supply allocation process from publicly regulated to a market driven process. SUPPORT the fundamental principles of Florida water law which: • Requires demonstration that a proposed use of water is a reasonable- beneficial use, will not interfere with an existing legal use of water, and is consistent with the public interest to protect water and related natural resources. • Establishes a right of use, not a right of ownership. • Provides for"local sources first"—that is, a county in which water is withdrawn shall not be deprived directly or indirectly of the prior right to reasonable and beneficial use of water to supply the needs of its natural systems, property owners, or inhabitants. OPPOSE any state-wide water commission or"water czar"which would redefine the water supply relationship among the state, water management districts, and local governments. SUPPORT the enhancement of local government participation in the water management district planning, permitting and regulatory processes, including proposed reservations, minimum flows and levels, and recovery and prevention strategies. SUPPORT removal of the current sales tax exemption on bottled water. Water Quality: SUPPORT measures to preserve county authority to address water quality problems and the flexibility to craft solutions at the local level. Indian River Lagoon & Lake Okeechobee Basin: SUPPORT state funding for the construction of additional water storage and water quality treatment facilities within the 211