Resolution 025-1960 sr-
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RESOLUTION NO. 25-1960
A RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A
7-FOOT DFFFP BY 90-FOOT WIDE CANAL THROUGHOUT
THE FLORIDA KEYS TO MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA.
WHEREAS, the Congress at its 79th Session did authorize the develop-
ment of a 7-foot deep and 90-foot wide canal from Miami, Florida, to Key
West, Florida, but appropriations for the project have never been made, and
WHEREAS, it is of the utmost economical importance that such a
canal be constructed to insure the safe passage of Federal, State, private
and commercial waterborne traffic through the Florida Keys in Monroe County,
and
WHEREAS, the Florida Keys are economically dependent for food upon
the bridges of U. S. Highway No. I and the Florida Keys Aqueduct for water
and other necessities of life, and
WHEREAS, these two systems are threatened and hazarded by each
passing tropical storm and hurricane, and
WHEREAS, the lack of a protected waterway throughout the Florida
Keys has caused private industry to bear a more substantial cost for the haul-
ing of heavy construction material and equipment than that provided by water-
borne traffic, and
WHEREAS, the increase of population on the Florida Keys is readily
apparent, and
WHEREAS, the most economical way to move petroleum products is
by Inland Waterway barges, and
WHEREAS, in the event of war this waterway would be a vital link
to supply the Key West Naval Base via a protected waterway route, and
WHEREAS, we are already two wars late in the completion of this
waterway, and
WHEREAS, Latin America is being infiltrated by Communists, and
WHEREAS, such infiltration poses a threat of internal chaos in such
countries of an unpredictable potential and extent, and
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WHEREAS, local interests headed by the Monroe County Inland
Waterway Commission are initiating an economical survey to substantiate
the need of this waterway, and
WHEREAS, while multi-millions are being spent for national defense
and foreign aid, a vital part of that defense network, the harbors and inland
waterways, are being practically eliminated in the name of economy, and
WHEREAS, local interests are at present undertaking the construc-
tion of marinas, hotels, motels, restaurants and additional charter boats
are under construction--all indications of the need of this waterway, and
WHEREAS, this expanding economy is to the betterment of the Federal
income by the increase of per capita income and gasoline tax, etcetera, and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,
Florida, has constructed roads along the Florida Keys abutting on the proposed
Inland Waterway and in the future will continue to construct roads and boat
ramps and has set aside funds for the promotion of said waterway, now, there-
fore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, as follows:
1. That this Board endorses the construction of this waterway and
prays the Congress of the United States to authorize the appropriation suffi-
cient for its construction.
2. That said Board hereby agrees to furnish free of cost to the United
States all needed lands, easements, rights-of-way and spoil disposal areas
for new work and maintenance when and as required and to hold and save the
United States free from damages which may result from provision of the pro-
posed inland waterway.
3. That the actions of the Monroe County Inland Waterway Commis-
sion be endorsed and that all citizens be requested to act with it in the com-
pletion of its project to study the economical conditions of this County and
substantiate the need of this waterway.
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4. That the Clerk of this Board be and he is hereby authorized to
forward certified copies of this Resolution to Honorable Spessard L. Holland
and Honorable George A. Smathers, Senators from the State of Florida, and
Honorable Dante B. Fascell, Congressman from this District.
Dated April 5th, 1960.
STATE OF FLORIDA,
SS.
COUNTY OF MONROE,
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of a Resolution
adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida,
at a regular meeting of said Board held on the 5th day of April, A.D.1960.
MITNESS my hand and official seal on this 5th day of April,A.D. 1960.
mac .
Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
(Seal) of Monroe County,Florida