Resolution 251-1998
RESOLUTION NO.25l
- 1998
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE
COUNTY, FLORIDA. RECOGNIZING THE NEED FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE
WASTEWATER SYSTEMS AND REQUESTING CONGRESS TO PROVIDE
ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WASTEWATER
MASTER PLAN
WHEREAS. adjacent to the Florida Keys are located spectacular. unique. and
nationally significant marine environments. including seagrass meadows. mangrove islands
and extensive living coral reefs; and
WHEREAS. these marine environments support rich biological communities possessing
extensive conservation and recreational. commercial. ecological. historical. research,
educational. and esthetic values which give this area special national significance; and
WHEREAS. these environments are the marine equivalent of tropical rain forests in that
they support high levels of biological diversity. are fragile and easily damaged by human
activities. and possess high value to human beings if properly conserved; and
WHEREAS. these marine environments are subject to damage and loss of their
ecological integrity from inadequately treated wastewater in the Florida Keys; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Government and the State of Florida are required by Public
Law 101-605. Florida Keys National Maine Sanctuary and Protection Act. to reduce pollution
in the waters offshore the Florida Keys to protect and restore the water quality, coral reefs,
and other living marine resources of the Florida Keys environment; and
WHEREAS. the Water Quality Protection Program Phase II document estimates the
initial cost of retrofitting the Florida Keys wastewater system at $265 million to $418 million;
and
WHEREAS. with a year-round residential population of 85.000 persons. the cost of the
infrastructure required to improve water quality in this nationally significant marine
ecosystem cannot be borne solely by the residents of Monroe County; and
WHEREAS. even with 75% federal to 25% local funding ratio, the 85.000 citizens of
Monroe County will be paying a minimum of four times the national wastewater average of
$186.00 per year to protect the environmental quality of Monroe County and to retain the
region as an international treasure for millions of tourists annually; and :r ..... .."
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WHEREAS. Congressman Peter Deutsch will soon introduce legiSla~~ ~hae
long-term federal funding for wastewater improvement sin the Florida Keys; Ofl.m~ == ."
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WHEREAS, there is widespread support for the improvement of water quality in the
Florida Keys from elected officials, environmental organizations, federal and state agencies,
and citizens; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS hereby
Section 1.
the Florida Keys.
Recognizes the need for wastewater and stormwater improvements in
Section 2. Acknowledges the importance of state and federal funding support in
order to preserve this national treasure.
Section 3. Endorses the proposed legislation to provide multi-year authorization for
the completion of infrastructure improvements in the Florida Keys.
Section 4. Urges and requests Congress to provide additional wastewater funding
appropriations for FY1999 to continue the implementation of the master plan for wastewater
improvements.
Section 5. Appreciates the support of State and Federal officials, including
Governor Chiles, Senator Connie Mack, Senator Robert Graham, and Congressman Peter
Deutsch.
Section 6. Copies of this Resolution be sent to Governor Chiles, Senator Connie
Mack, Senator Robert Graham, and Congressman Peter Deutsch.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,
Florida, at a regular meeting of said Board held on the 10th day of June, 1998.
Mayor Jack London
, ommissioner Keith Douglass
../ /,Ci" , m,. .iSS, ioner Shirley Freeman
1/.'{(.,.'fJ~~~'~.\ I",.""'.,?' ioner Wilhelm. ina Harvey
!...:,;7...~~ ' . $ioner Mary Kay Reich
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Att~sf;-b~~ L. KOLHAGE, Clerk
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By ~ttll 0.. - ~
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