Resolution 114-2010
RESOLUTION NO. 114 -2010
A RESOLUTION BY THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS URGING ITS FLORIDA LEGISLATIVE
DELEGATION TO SUPPORT INITIATIVES IN ORDER TO PRESERVE
OUR NATIONAL AND STATE ROLES IN SPACE; AND DIRECTING THE
CLERK TO FORWARD SAID RESOLUTION TO THE SENATE
PRESIDENT, HOUSE SPEAKER, AND THE MONROE COUNTY
LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION.
WHEREAS~ 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 of a defined purpose,
identified destination, and a clear timeframe; and
WHEREAS, the ability to adequately guarantee the defense of this nation has in the past
relied upon having the best Army, Navy, and Air Force, and the future clearly dictates that
absolutely necessity of being in control of Space, or otherwise ceding our destiny and that of our
children, to nations like Russia and China; and
WHEREAS, prior achievements in space exploration have pushed and continue to push
the envelope in new innovations, new products, and new industries that secure our place as a
county in a global, knowledge-based economy, and
WHEREAS, without continued development, the knowledge and expertise acquired
through our space program to date will stagnate; and
WHEREAS, dependence upon a foreign nation such as Russia for transport of American
astronauts and payloads is neither reliable nor economical nor politically astute; and
WHEREAS, 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 generation of $1 03 million in state and local taxes; and
WHEREAS, 100,000 jobs in the State of Florida, in all 67 counties, have been associated
with the presence of the space program, making it one of the larger employers in the state; and
WHEREAS, the State of Florida is privileged to share the experience of the space
program with thousand of visitors, and these visitors contribute $90 million annually to the
economy when they visit the "Sunshine State".
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOL VED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA,
Section 1. The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners does hereby request
the Florida Legislative Delegation on behalf of all Floridians to actively and aggressively seek
legislative support in order to enhance our national and state roles in the Space Program by
obtaining:
. Assurance that the United States remains the leader in space with a strong
declaration by the state and federal governments, including NASA, of a goal,
destination, and time frame for hwnan space flight;
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. Assurance that the United States is the primary provider for u.s. human space
flight to the International Space Station and our national laboratory, with Russia in
a secondary - not primary - role 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 fIy;
. Assurance that the United States remains competitive on an international as an
economic superpower, leading the world in research and teclmology 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 remains the leader in space exploration with the
commitment to fund construction of Florida's 21st 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, Math) education for primary, secondary~ and post-secondary students.
Section 2. The Clerk is hereby directed to forward copies of this resolution to Senate
President Jeff Atwater, House Speaker Larry Cretul, Representative Ron Saunders, and Senator
Larcenia Bullard.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,
Florida at a regular meeting held on the 21stdayof April , 2010.
Mayor Sylvia Murphy
Mayor Pro Tern Heather Carruthers
Commissioner Mario Di Gennaro
Conrmissioner George Neugent
Commissioner Kim Wigington
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OFMONROEC~~LomDA
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Mayor Sylvia Murphy
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