Resolution 217-2008
RESOLUTION NO. 217 - 2008
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
SUPPORTING THE EFFORTS OF GOVERNOR CHARLIE
CRIST AND THE SOUTH FLORIDA WATER
MANAGEMENT DISTRICT TO ACQUIRE LAND SOUTH
OF LAKE OKEECHOBEE FOR THE PROTECTION AND
RESTORATION OF AMERICA'S EVERGLADES AND
FLORIDA'S COASTAL ESTUARIES.
WHEREAS, America's Everglades and the South Florida ecosystem is a unique expanse
of habitats, whose environmental health is critical to the economy and quality of life of South
Florida; and
WHEREAS, on June 24, 2008, Governor Charlie Crist unveiled a momentous strategy to
bring about the largest environmental land acquisition in Florida's history and restore America's
Everglades in a way never before anticipated; and
WHEREAS, the Governor announced that the South Florida Water Management District
will begin negotiating an agreement with United States Sugar Corporation to purchase nearly
300 square miles of land spanning four counties in South Florida; and
WHEREAS, the acquisition of as much as 187,000 acres of land south of Lake
Okeechobee would provide the "missing link" needed to better protect the St. Lucie and
Caloosahatchee rivers and estuaries, and revive, restore and preserve one of America's greatest
natural treasures - the Everglades; and
WHEREAS, the South Florida Water Management District and United States Sugar
Corporation signed a "Statement of Principles" that provides the framework for the potential
acquisition of property and assets; and
WHEREAS, through successful negotiations and strategic land swaps, vast tracts would
be used to reestablish a part of the historic connection between Lake Okeechobee and the
Everglades through a managed system of storage and treatment; and
WHEREAS, dedicating significantly more land in the Everglades Agricultural Area to
restoration will build upon and enhance the 30-year state-federal Comprehensive Everglades
Restoration Plan, offering the opportunity and flexibility to store and clean water on a scale
never before contemplated; and
WHEREAS, benefits from the land acquisition include huge increases in the availability
of water storage, significantly reducing the potential for harmful discharges from Lake
Okeechobee to Florida's coastal rivers and estuaries; and
I
WHEREAS, the acquisition will prevent thousands of tons of phosphorus from entering
the Everglades every year and eliminate the need for "back-pumping" water into Lake
Okeechobee; and
WHEREAS, the acquisition also provides the potential opportunity to sustain remaining
agriculture in the region by eliminating environmental concerns; enhancing the availability of
water supply; and fostering green energy production; and
WHEREAS, the Governor has identified the State of Florida's Rural Economic
Development Initiative as a resource for working with United States Sugar Corporation, local
governments, area businesses, state agencies and the South Florida Water Management District
on an economic transition plan for the area; and
WHEREAS, saving the Everglades and protecting Florida's coastal estuaries IS an
environmental priority for the Momoe County Board of County Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, the South Florida Water Management District's initiative to purchase
187,000 acres of land in the Everglades Agricultural Area is a watershed event for restoring a
beloved national treasure - the Everglades; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the Momoe County Board of County Commissioners applauds
and supports the landmark efforts of Governor Charlie Crist and the South Florida Water
Management District to negotiate the acquisition of significant lands in the Everglades
Agricultural Area for the purposes of restoring and protecting the northern and southern
Everglades and Florida's coastal estuaries.
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PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Commissioners of Momoe ~u~, F~da ..
at a regular meeting held the 16th day ofJuly, 2008. ~n%; ~
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Mayor Di Gennaro
Mayor Pro Tem McCoy
Commissioner Murphy
Commissioner Neugent
Commissioner Spehar
Yes
Yes
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Yes
Yes
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUN~~O~A
By:~4
Mayor Mario Di Gennaro
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