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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-111 RESOLUTION NO. 10-111 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA URGING OUR FLORIDA LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION TO SUPPORT INITIATIVES THAT WOULD PRESERVE OUR NATION AND OUR STATE'S ROLE IN SPACE WHEREAS the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, hasmadethefollowing determinations: 1. This is a defining moment in our country's history - a time for a genuine commitment to remain a LEADER in space through a bold declaration ofa defined purpose, identified destination, and a clear time frame. 2. The ability to adequately guarantee the defense of this nation has in the past relied upon having the best Army, Navy, and Air Force; the future clearly dictates the absolute necessity of being in control of Space. 3. The importance ofthe United States remaining a LEADER in space transcends national pride in prior achievements to a call for space exploration that pushes the envelope in new innovations, new products, and new industries that will secure our place as an economic superpower in this global, borderless, and knowledge-based economy. 4. Dependence upon a foreign nation for transport of American astronauts and payloads is neither reliable, economical, nor politically astute. 5. The state of Florida has played a key role in our national space program from its inception as the premier launch site with a $4.1 billion state-wide economic output in 2008 alone, including $103 million in state and local taxes; and a $43.9 billion statewide aerospace federal, state and industry economic impact. 6. The state of Florida has enthusiastically embraced and demonstrated its commitment to the space program's continued presence in Florida with a total $8 billion investment in infrastructure and a current Governor's budget which proposes $32.6 million for space. 7. One hundred thousand jobs statewide in all 67 counties have been associated with the presence of the space program in the state of Florida making it one of the larger employers in the state. 8. The State of Florida is privileged to share the experience of space exploration and technology with thousands of visitors who contribute $90 million annually to the economy when they visit the "Sunshine State" to experience the pride and excitement of participation in this vital aspect of our nation's space program. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida: Section 1: The foregoing recitals contained in the preamble to this Resolution are incorporated by reference herein. Section 2: The Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County does hereby request that the Florida Legislative Delegation on behalf of all Floridians does actively and aggressively seek legislative support for: • Assurance that the United States remain the LEADER in space with a strong declaration by the Administration of a goal, a destination, and a time frame for Human Space flight. • Assurance that the United States is a primary provider for U.S. human space flight to the International Space Station and our national laboratory through the continuous ability to launch American astronauts and payloads on U.S.-built heavy-lift vehicles, which includes the extension of Space Shuttle flights until new vehicles are ready to fly. • Assurance that the United States remains competitive on the international level as an economic superpower, leading the world in research and technology that improves life for all mankind by creating an environment that encourages Research and Development and ensures the full utilization of our national laboratory aboard the International Space Station. • Assurance that the United States ensures its national security by retaining its military superiority, which reaches to the farthest corners ofthe universe and depends in part upon the support of satellites through the continuous use of U.S.-built vehicles without reliance upon foreign countries. • Assurance that the United States remains the leader in space exploration with the commitment to fund construction of Florida's 21S` century launch facilities, and the ability to secure partnerships with low earth orbit commercial operations by providing the necessary funds to provide responsive and supportive functions. • Assurance that the future workforce of the United States remains competitive in a global market, by providing support for world-class STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education for primary, secondary, and post-secondary students. Section 2: The County Administrator is hereby directed to send a copy of this resolution to Governor Charlie Crist, the County's legislative Delegation, the County's Congressional Delegation, the Executive Director of the Florida Association of Counties, and the Chairman of the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners. Section 3: This Resolution shall take effect upon its adoption. PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 6T" day of April 2010. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ATTEST: ST. LUCIE I~TY, FLORIDA r ~ C'~,~ BY: ~ Deputy Clerk ~ ~ Chair n J~1 _ ~ .cryy~ n APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS: ~;ti r ~ ~ ; ~ ~.-~-County Attorney `yA~s qyp Fi a ~.ll t~ i