HomeMy WebLinkAbout15-019RESOLUTION NO. 15-019
A RESOLUTION OF THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
REQUESTING THAT THE GOVERNOR MOVE FORWARD WITH THE ACQUISITION
OF THE 46,000 ACRE US SUGAR PROPERTY
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the
following determinations:
1. The Florida Everglades and its associated estuaries is an internationally unique ecosystem,
a national treasure, and a significant economic driver for Florida's economy.
2. In August of 2001, St. Lucie County adopted Resolution No. 01-191 concurring with the
resolution of the Six County Coalition for responsible management of Lake Okeechobee and
Caloosahatchee Estuaries and Lake Worth Lagoon.
3. In July of 2002, St. Lucie County adopted Resolution No. 02-184 supporting authorization of
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) Projects.
4. In November of 2007, St. Lucie County adopted Resolution No. 07-386 urgingthe Governing
Body of the South Florida Water Management District to expedite the completion of the
C23/24 Project in St. Lucie County as a key component of the Indian River Lagoon Plan.
5. In May of 2010, St. Lucie County adopted Resolution No. 10-158 requesting that Federal and
State agencies appropriate funds and accelerate project completion of the comprehensive
Everglades Restoration Plan's Indian River Lagoon -South C-23 and C-24 Reservoirs and
Stormwater Treatment area projects in St. Lucie County.
6. In September of 2013, St. Lucie County adopted Resolution No. 13-180 requesting the
Governor of Florida through executive order and/or other powers available under the law,
to activate all available state and local emergency and relief resources and mechanisms for
the protection of the Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie Estuary.
7. In January of 2014, St. Lucie County adopted Resolution No. 14-004 supporting the priorities
of the Five County Indian River Lagoon Collaborative asking for congressional approval of the
Water Resources Development Act.
8. The citizens of Florida and St. Lucie County, in overwhelming majority, voted to support the
Florida Water and Land Conservation Initiative, Amendment No. 1.
9. The acquisition of the 46,000 acre US Sugar property, which was included as part of the
option lands available under the 2008 "River of Grass" plan between US Sugar and the South
Florida Water Management District, embodies the intent of Amendment No.1 and is needed
to implement the projects set out above.
10. Acquisition of these key parcels increase water storage capacity; reduces harmful freshwater
discharges from Lake Okeechobee; improves the delivery of cleaner water to the Everglades;
protects water supply interests; and supports a healthier ecological environment for Lake
Okeechobee and the associated estuaries.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie
County, Florida:
1. This Board urges Governor Scott, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and
the South Florida Water Management District to support the remaining option to acquire
the 46,000 acre US Sugar land option as part of the Everglades Restoration and to promote
the health of Lake Okeechobee and the associated estuaries.
2. The County Administrator is hereby directed to send a copy of this resolution to Governor
Rick Scott, the County's Legislative Delegation and the Florida Association of Counties.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 17`h day of February 2015.
ATTEST:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
/ ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
BY:
DEPUTY CLERK CHAIR
APPROVED A 30711GA►L,FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
COUNTY A'