HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-221RESOLUTION NO. 03-221
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE
CONTINUED INCLUSION OF A LOCAL
SOURCES FIRST POLICY IN CHAPTER 373,
F.S. AND OPPOSING ANY AMENDMENT TO
FLORIDA'S WATER RESOURCE POLICY
WHICH ALLOWS, ENCOURAGES, OR
PROMOTES WATER TRANSFERS
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie
County, Florida, has made the following determinations:
1. Florida's water resources are a natural resource and not
a commodity to be sold or transferred to the highest bidder.
2. This Board has been staunch supporters of a State Local
Sources First Policy within Florida's Statutes.
3. This Board believes the continued retention of this policy
is integral to protecting Florida's water resources and the
development of long-term sustainable use without adversely
impacting our unique natural resources.
4. This Board unanimously agrees with the Florida Association
of Counties' support of the fundamental principles of Florida water
law; which requires a showing 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.
5. Along with the Florida Association of Counties, this Board
opposes legislation that shifts water supply allocation from a
publicly regulated process to a market driven process; and further
opposes legislation that undermines the fundamental principles of
Florida Water Law which establishes a right-of-use ... not a right-
of-ownership.
6. This Board has recently seen documentation which indicates
the Florida Council of 100 will request repeal or modification to
Chapter 373, F.S. to eliminate the local-sources-first language.
7. This Board wishes to go on record early and unequivocally
that such a proposal is ill considered and will put Florida's
surface waters and aquifers at risk of irreparable damage for
irresponsible short-term gain by limited special interest groups.
8. This Board believes that any discussion of regional water
transfer is premature until Minimum Flows and Levels have been
established for all of Florida's water resources.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County
Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida:
1. This Board actively opposes any modification to Chapter
373, F.S. as it relates to the current Local Sources First Policy.
2. This Board encourages all local government and elected
officials to voice their opposition to their state elected
officials.
3. The County Administrator is hereby directed to forward
copies of this resolution to the St. Lucie County Legislative
Delegation; the Speaker of the House; the President of the Senate;
the Governor of the State of Florida; the South Florida Water
Management District; the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council
and each of its members; the Florida League of Cities; and the
Florida Association of Counties.
After motion and second the vote on this resolution was as
follows:
Chairman Cliff Barnes AYE
Vice Chairman Paula A. Lewis AYE
Commissioner Frannie Hutchinson AYE
Commissioner Doug Coward AYE
Commissioner John D. Bruhn AYE
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED thJ>~ 16th day of September, 2003.
ATTEST:
D~UTY CLERK
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE COU'I~Y, FLORIDA
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM AND
RRECTNESS:
COUNTY A~/~R~E Y