HomeMy WebLinkAbout17-078RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE STATE LEGISLATURE SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE FUNDING FOR
THE ACQUISITION OF CONSERVATION LANDS AND CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
IN THE 2017-2018 BUDGET
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the
following determinations:
1. There are environmentally sensitive natural areas and conservation lands necessary to
protect our water resources, fish and wildlife, and recreational access through St. Lucie County and
Florida.
2. Florida's remarkable biological diversity and its natural systems are the fundamental basis
of its quality of life and economy. Population and development impacts are expected to grow over
the next two decades and land conservation is an accepted way to buffer the impacts of growth on
natural resources.
3. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection states: "Florida Forever is Florida's
premier conservation and recreation lands acquisition program, a blueprint for conserving natural
resources and renewing Florida's commitmentto conservethe state's natural and cultural heritage".
4. Approximately 81% of St. Lucie County voters and 75% of Florida voters (4.2 million citizens)
voted on November 4, 2014 to approve an Amendment to Article X, Section 28 of the Florida
Constitution to acquire and manage environmentally sensitive lands.
5. It is the request of St. Lucie County that the legislature fulfill its obligation to the people to
provide significant funding for conservation land acquisition as called for in the 2014 Amendment.
These lands need to be acquired and preserved by fee simple acquisition, conservation easement,
or purchase of development rights to protect our future prosperity.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie
County, Florida:
1. This Board respectfully requests that the Florida state legislature significantly increase
funding for the acquisition of conservation lands and conservation easements in the 2017-2018
budget.
2. Be it resolved that this Board considers the acquisition, protection and management of
environmentally sensitive lands to be a crucial public benefit to the future of St. Lucie County and
the State of Florida.
3. The County Administrator is directed to send a copy of this resolution to the County's state
legislative delegation.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 18`h day of April 2017.
DEPUTY CUM,'�tia'
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA,,--)
BY:
CHAI
APPROVED AS TO LLA LAORM AND
COUNTY ATTO