HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-122RESOLUTION NO. 2003- 122
A RESOLUTION OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA
SUPPORTING CONTINUED FUNDING OF BEACH
MANAGEMENT OF $30 MILLION ANNUALLY FROM
DOCUMENTARY STAMP REVENUES UNDER THE
FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT AND
RESTORATION TRUST FUND.
WHEREAS, Beaches are Florida's most recognized and productive economic and
environmental asset, and sandy beaches, including those enhanced by beach restoration and
nourishment, are Florida's largest playground, public park, and habitat for endangered species.
WHEREAS, Florida had 75 6 million visitors in 2002, with beaches being the number one
tourist destination.
WHEREAS, Florida's economy benefits from $21.9 billion in direct spending and $19.7
billion in indirect spending by beach -going tourists (2000).
WHEREAS, Beaches contribute over $1 billion in tourist -related sales tax to state revenues
annually.
WHEREAS, There are 442,000 jobs created by beach -related tourism, with a resulting $8
billion payroll.
WHEREAS, Over half of Florida's 825 miles of sandy beaches are experiencing erosion, and
333 miles of Florida beaches have been designated as critically eroded by the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection.
WHEREAS, The Florida Legislature, pursuant to Section 161.088 F.S., has declared beach
erosion to be a serious threat to the economic and general welfare of the state and its residents; and
has further declared it to be a necessary governmental responsibility to preserve Florida's beaches and
make provision for beach restoration projects.
WHEREAS, The Florida Legislature in 1998, pursuant to Sections 161.091 and 201.15 F.S.,
unanimously reaffirmed its commitment to our beaches by providing that funding of $30 million
annually be deposited in the Ecosystem Management and Restoration Trust Fund for purposes of
beach restoration and repair, and that documentary stamp revenues shall be the source of that
fundmg.
WHEREAS, This program represents a cost-effective intergovernmental partnership which
leverages local and federal government matching dollars.
WHEREAS, To provide anything less than the $30 million in state funding for FY 04-05 will
result in federal and state matching beach dollars being diverted for other uses, and will send a
message to intergovernmental partners that the State of Florida is backing away from its commitment
to healthy beaches
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Resolution No 2003- 122
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Indian River County Board of County
Commissioners, that:
1. This Board strongly urges the Florida Legislature to fully fund the Department of
Environmental Protection's beach erosion project priority list for FY 04-05 for
$30 milhon as provided for in Florida Statutes.
2. This Board respectfully requests that the 2004 Florida Legislature oppose any
legislative efforts to amend existing law which allocates $30 million annually in
certain documentary stamp tax revenues to the Ecosystem Management and
Restoration Trust Fund for purposes of beach restoration and repair.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its
adoption.
THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION was offered by Commissioner Neuberger
seconded by Commissioner Adams , and, being put to a vote was as follows:
Chairman Kenneth It Macht
Vice Chairman Caroline D Ginn
Fran B Adams
Thomas S Lowther
Arthur R. Neuberger
Aye
Absent
Aye
Aye
Aye
The Chairman thereupon declared the resolution duly passed and adopted this 7th
of October ,2003.
ty Attorney
Approved as to Form and Legal Sufficiency
Indian River County, Florida
Board of County Co ' 'ssioners
Approv
and
day
eth It Matt, Chairman
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