Resolution 275-2016RESOLUTION NO. 275 - 2016
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA APPROVING THE
ALLOCATION OF MONROE COUNTY'S PORTION OF THE
FLORIDA KEYS STEWARDSHIP FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016-
2017 TO CANAL WATER QUALITY RESTORATION PROJECTS;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, in 2008 the State Legislature approved a modification to Section 215.619,
Florida Statutes, authorizing the issuance of $200M in Everglades restoration bonds (the
"Mayfield authorization" or "Mayfield grant funds ") to fund the implementation of state -
mandated wastewater projects for the purpose of implementing the Florida Keys Area of Critical
State Concern protection program; and
WHEREAS, in 2012, the State appropriated the first $50M allocation of the $200M
Mayfield authorization, and in 2014 appropriated the second $50M allocation of the Mayfield
authorization; and
WHEREAS, Mayfield authorization funds are distributed in accordance with the existing
Interlocal Agreement dated February 20, 2013, and amended September 20, 2013, entered into
by Monroe County, Key West, Marathon, Islamorada, Key Colony Beach, Layton and the Key
Largo Wastewater Treatment District; and
WHEREAS, in 2016 the State of Florida enacted into law the Florida Keys Stewardship
Act, recognizing the importance of environmental issues such as water quality and land
acquisition in the Florida Keys as critical needs; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Keys Stewardship Act expands the types of water quality
projects eligible for Mayfield funding to include, such as canal restoration and storm water
management; and
WHEREAS, as part of the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, the Florida Keys received a
direct appropriation for $5M for FY 2016 -2017 to be used to address the issues recognized and
identified as environmental priorities for the Florida Keys: water quality projects and land
acquisition, and further directs the appropriation to be distributed in accordance with the existing
Interlocal Agreement; and
WHEREAS, per the Interlocal Agreement distribution schedule, unincorporated Monroe
County's portion of this year's $5M allocation is $1.5M; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners recognizes canal restoration as a
component of overall water quality and environmental protection in the Florida Keys and
surrounding National Marine Sanctuary waters, complementing the $1 B investment in
centralized wastewater treatment by local taxpayers, the State, and the Federal government to
protect and restore water quality; and
WHEREAS, over 300 canals have been identified in the Monroe County Canal
Management Master Plan (CMMP) as having sub - standard water quality, and are listed as
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"impaired water bodies" by the EPA and exceed DEP Chapter 62 -302 Surface Water Standards
for nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus and dissolved oxygen, and discharge directly into
near shore Outstanding Florida Waters in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
( FKNMS), where FDEP has adopted a "zero- degradation" policy; and
WHEREAS, high levels of nutrients and low levels of dissolved oxygen are conditions
that have been directly linked to extensive die -off of coral reefs and seagrass beds in coastal
waters; and
WHEREAS, canal water restoration projects will remedy the high nutrient loading and
low dissolved oxygen impairing the water in canals by implementing technologies that address
the most significant causes of those conditions: accumulated organics, seaweed loading, and poor
flushing and tidal flow; and
WHEREAS, reduced nutrient loading, increased dissolved oxygen and increased water
clarity to the nearshore Outstanding Florida Waters and the waters of FKNMS will improve
water quality conditions that are essential for sustaining a marine ecosystem that is one of the
most unique and prolific in the world, and home to the only living coral reef in the continental
U.S., and one of the world's largest seagrass beds, both rich and productive habitats that provide
support to 6,000 species of plants, fishes, and invertebrates, including many species listed for
protection under the Endangered Species Act; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA that:
1. The Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida hereby approves the
entire allocation of unincorporated Monroe County's portion of the Florida Keys
Stewardship FY 2016 -2017 direct appropriation in the amount of $1.5M to canal
restoration projects; and
3. This resolution shall take effect upon adoption. A ,
a
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commi- ssioners ( Monroe
County, Florida, at a regular meeting of said Board held on the 14th day of Novern r,.-V16.
Mayor Heather Carruthers Yes r�
Mayor Pro Tem George Neugent Yes -zr
Commissioner Danny Kolhage Yes
Commissioner David Rice Yes Q
Commissioner Sylvia Murphy Yes Cn
AM Clerk
B y: C �.,.,,.�.�
Deputy Clerk
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
B �. .�
MOJMU2060UNTY ATTORNEY
APP VVED S TO�F�r��
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