BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY

Transcription

1 8A3 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY PLACEMENT: DEPARTMENTAL PRESET: TITLE: CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM AGENDA ITEM DATES: MEETING DATE: 9/1/2015 COMPLETED DATE: 8/20/2015 COUNTY ATTORNEY: 8/10/2015 ASSISTANT COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR: 8/17/2015 REQUESTED BY: DEPARTMENT: PREPARED BY: Name: David Graham, Director of Administration Name: Procedures: None EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Department of Administration Kate Parmelee Intergovernmental and Grants Coordinator Each year, the Board considers its federal and state legislative program prior to the convening of the Florida Legislature. APPROVAL: CA BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL: The purpose of this agenda item is for the Board to consider adoption of the FY federal and state legislative program in anticipation of the Martin County State Legislative Delegation meeting on 806e40cc 1 of 83

2 September 24, 2015 and the convening of the Florida Legislature in January. Proposed federal policy statements have also been included. The Board s annual legislative program helps assist in the implementation of many its strategic goals, including: Regional issues: Martin County shall work with all governments and across county lines to advocate for projects of regional interest. Infrastructure and project priorities: Martin County shall maintain its infrastructure in an efficient, cost effective manner to ensure public facilities serve County residents' needs. Economic Development: Martin County shall continue efforts to support economic diversification of its local economy. Infrastructure: Define new (updated) Management Plan (IMP) for St. Lucie Inlet ISSUES: A presentation that includes an overview of the changes and additions to this year s Legislative Program as well as the statewide legislative program approved by the membership of the Florida Association of Counties at their annual policy conference August will be provided for the Board s review and consideration prior to the September 1 meeting. In addition to the proposed policy statement concerning fracking/horizontal oil drilling, a draft resolution has been included for the Board s review and action in conjunction with the adoption of the legislative program. LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW: Legal review of the resolution has been conducted and found legally sufficient. RECOMMENDED ACTION: RECOMMENDATION Move that the Board approve the 2016 Federal and State Legislative Program. ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS Move that the Board amend and approve the 2016 Federal and State Legislative Program. FISCAL IMPACT: RECOMMENDATION N/A 806e40cc 2 of 83

3 Funding Source County Funds Non-County Funds Authorization Subtotal Project Total ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS N/A DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION: Budget Transfer / Amendment Chair Letter Contract / Agreement Grant / Application Notice Ordinance X Resolution X Other: 2016 Federal and State Legislative Program ROUTING: _ ADM _ BLD _ CDD _ COM _ ENG _ FRD _ GMD _ GSD _ ITS _ LIB _ MCA _ MPO _ PRD _ USD X CA _ ACA _ LEG 806e40cc 3 of 83

4 MARTIN COUNTY Board of County Commissioners 2016 Federal Legislative Program 4 of 83

5 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 MARTIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Doug Smith, District Edward Fielding, District Anne Scott, District Sarah Heard, District John Haddox, District of 83

6 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM ARTIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS CONTENTS MARTIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS... 1 FY 2015 Strategic Goals...3 FY 2016 FAC Federal Priorities....4 FY 2016 National Association of Counties Priorities... 5 Guiding Principles... 6 Environment/Natural Resources Policy Statements... 8 Growth Management and Agriculture Policy Statements Infrastructure Policy Statements Finance, Tax, Administration & Economic Development Policy Statements Health and Human Services Policy Statements Public Safety Policy Statements of 83

7 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 MARTIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FY 2015 STRATEGIC GOALS 1 Regional issues: Martin County shall work with all governments and across county lines to advocate for projects of regional interest. Board Legislative and Planning: Martin County shall review its planning and development efforts to ensure that it maintains quality residential and non-residential uses, protects natural resources, and enhances economic development in a fiscally conservative manner. Infrastructure and project priorities: Martin County shall maintain its infrastructure in an efficient, cost effective manner to ensure public facilities serve County residents' needs. Internal Policies and Procedures: Martin County shall continue to refine its internal policies and procedures to ensure that it achieves the highest level of efficiency and accountability for its use of taxpayer monies. Economic Development: Martin County shall continue efforts to support economic diversification of its local economy. Infrastructure: Define new (updated) Management Plan (IMP) for St. Lucie Inlet 1 FY 2016 Strategic Goals have not yet been developed; this document will be updated to reflect new goals once adopted. 3 7 of 83

8 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES FY 2016 FEDERAL PRIORITIES Martin County works in partnership with Florida s 67 counties via the Florida Association of Counties (FAC). Federal policy statements adopted by the FAC membership have been identified with the FAC logo throughout Martin County s Federal Legislative Program. FAC s Federal Legislative Program will be discussed at their annual policy conference on August and this document will be updated with their program at that time via supplemental memo. \ 4 8 of 83

9 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES FY 2015 FEDERAL PRIORITIES Martin County works in partnership with the nation s counties via the National Association of Counties (NACo). Federal policy statements adopted by the NACo membership have been identified with the NACo logo throughout Martin County s Federal Legislative Program and NACo s 2015 priorities are as follows: PROTECT THE TAX-EXEMPT STATUS OF MUNICIPAL BONDS: NACo supports the preservation of the federal deductibility of local property and income taxes and the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds that provide critical funding for public facilities, infrastructure and development. Provisions like the tax exemption for municipal bond interest have been part of the federal tax code for over 100 years, helping finance more than $3.7 trillion in public works projects. PROTECT THE FEDERAL-STATE-LOCAL PARTNERSHIP FOR MEDICAID: NACo supports maintaining the federal-state-local structure for financing and delivering Medicaid services. Counties continue to be concerned about measures that would further shift federal and state Medicaid costs to counties including cuts, caps or block grants. PROTECT COUNTY INTERESTS IN FEDERAL "WATERS OF THE U.S." RULEMAKING: NACo supports efforts to prevent the redefinition of waters of the U.S. that would result in the federal regulation of all public safety ditches. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have proposed to broaden the existing definition; this would increase the number of county owned and maintained public safety infrastructure that would fall under federal permitting authority. NACo has called on the federal government to withdraw the proposal until further analysis has been completed. SUPPORT COUNTY AUTHORITY TO COLLECT EXISTING SALES TAX: NACo supports legislation to permit the collection of existing sales and use taxes from remote sellers. The issue of taxing remote sales has compounded in recent years due to the extraordinary development of the Internet as a retail marketplace. As a result, state and local governments have lost billions in uncollected sales taxes and Main Street businesses find themselves at a significant competitive disadvantage to various online sellers. SUPPORT THE PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES (PILT) AND SECURE RURAL SCHOOLS (SRS) PROGRAMS: NACo supports extending full mandatory funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program as well as legislative efforts to reform and fund the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. PILT compensates counties for tax-exempt federal land within their boundaries, while SRS provides payments to counties to compensate for significant declines in federal revenue sharing due to reduced revenue generating activities within the National Forest System. Even though the federal government does not pay property tax on public land, counties must still provide essential services for their residents and those who visit public lands each year. SUPPORT COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM: NACo supports comprehensive immigration reform that includes a modernized legal immigration system, establishes a temporary worker program, provides an earned path to citizenship and enhances border security while taking into consideration the financial impacts of immigration on county governments. 5 9 of 83

10 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 Guiding Principles The ability to maintain home rule and avoid unfunded mandates are central to Martin County s federal and state legislative priorities and advocacy needs, as outlined below. FEDERAL AND STATE HOME RULE BACKGROUND The BCC is dedicated to the preservation of democratic principles, specifically that the government closest to the people is the appropriate authority to serve the needs and requirements of the community. Home rule is the right of the people to determine and implement a public purpose at the grassroots level. Home rule power is conferred to Florida counties by Article VIII, Section 1(f) and 1(g) of the Florida Constitution (1968), and by section , Florida Statutes. The preservation of this fundamental democratic concept is essential to the operation of county governments in Florida. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS maintaining the integrity of county home rule power, both administrative and fiscal, which allows counties to develop and implement communitybased solutions to local problems. BENEFIT Preserving home rule principles ensures that local government, which is closest to its citizens, is able to serve the needs of the community. Home rule is essential in maintaining Martin County s unique character and strong environmental regulations. FOR MORE INFORMATION Taryn Kryzda, County Administrator, , tkryzda@martin.fl.us 6 10 of 83

11 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 FEDERAL AND STATE UNFUNDED MANDATES BACKGROUND An unfunded mandate is defined as a state or federal directive that compels local governments to provide a service, program, or benefit without providing the appropriate monies or a funding source. While some mandates are justified because they achieve agreed upon policy goals, many, if not most mandates are imposed without the consensus of local governments or resources for implementation. Mandates drain the financial lifeblood from county governments and impede the ability to adequately deliver fundamental services required by law. Mandates also compromise a county s ability to provide discretionary services requested by the local community. REQUEST The BCC OPPOSES any state or federal actions that limit the ability of local elected officials to make fiscal and public policy decisions for the citizens they represent. The BCC SUPPORTS the establishment of an agreed upon course of action whereby elected officials deliberatively evaluate the appropriate funding and delivery of intergovernmental service responsibilities between the county and state or federal governments. BENEFIT Eliminating unfunded mandates is legislatively responsible and will ensure that local governments can plan more effectively to provide the most basic services to their citizens. IMPACT OF UNFUNDED MANDATES Since 2007, Florida s counties have cut $3 BILLION from their budgets, putting all counties near 2005 property tax levels. FOR MORE INFORMATION Kate Parmelee, Intergovernmental & Grants Coordinator, , kparmele@martin.fl.us Source: Florida Association of Counties 7 11 of 83

12 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 ENVIRONMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES Conservation and protection of our natural resources are critical to managing growth, promoting economic development, and maintaining a healthy environment to ensure a high quality of life for county citizens. Accordingly, and in keeping with home rule authority, Martin County and the Florida Association of Counties support the right to adopt local environmental regulations to protect a community s unique natural resources. The health of Martin County s diverse waterways and ecosystem is essential, and significantly threatened. Surface waters of the northeast Everglades naturally flowed south to the Everglades, west to Lake Okeechobee and east to the Indian River Lagoon, the most diverse estuary in North America. Projects constructed in the 1950s diverted surface waters into canals and into the St. Lucie Estuary and the Indian River Lagoon. As a result, billions of gallons of freshwater are wasted daily to the Atlantic Ocean. During large surface water discharge events, the water quality of the lagoon and surrounding estuary are severely impacted, harming aquatic plants and animals, and requiring restrictions for human contact. As Martin County continues to advocate for solutions to this difficult issue, it is vigilant in its desire to improve our waterways. A clean and sustainable water supply is essential to our community and a healthy Everglades and South Florida ecosystem support tens of thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to our economy. Our community is proud to lead the way in water quality. For example: Martin County citizens have voluntarily taxed themselves, generating $75M to support Everglades restoration and improved water quality. Martin County acquired 45,000 acres for various CERP projects that include the restoration of upland and wetland ecosystems. Since 2000 Martin County has invested $50+ million in 25 stormwater projects serving over 6,000 acres. We ve restored 28 acres of oyster habitat in the St. Lucie Estuary. We ve adopted a fertilizer ordinance and championed its protection. The following legislative priorities have been selected to advance Martin County s priority of ensuring healthy waterways and ecosystems, in order to protect our natural resources essential to our economy and quality of life of 83

13 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 FEDERAL AND STATE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON-SOUTH (IRL-S)/COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES RESTORATION PLAN (CERP) BACKGROUND The Indian River Lagoon-South (IRL-S) Restoration Project, part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) was authorized as part of the 2007 Water Resources Development Act to address the damaging effects of pollution and unnaturally large fresh water discharges into our ecologically vital water bodies. The IRL-S employs a regional approach to address the Martin and St. Lucie County portions of the lagoon. The plan identifies six features that will work together to protect and restore the lagoon and estuary 1) four new above ground reservoirs to capture water from the C-44, C-23, C-24 and C-25 canals for increased storage; 2) three new stormwater treatment areas to reduce sediment, phosphorus and nitrogen going to the St. Lucie River estuary and the lagoon. STAs are planned for each of the C-44, C-23/24 and C-25 basins; 3) restoration of the upland/wetland mosaic and habitat; 4) redirection of water from the C-23/24 basin to the north fork of the St. Lucie River; 5) muck removal from the north and south forks of the St. Lucie River and the middle estuary; and 6) oyster shell, reef balls and artificial submerged aquatic vegetation near muck removal sites will be added for habitat improvement. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), in partnership with Martin County, has purchased 100% of the land necessary to construct the 12,000 acre $330 million C-44 project in Martin County. Martin County voters voluntarily approved special tax referendums that have committed over $75 million that assisted in the purchase of land necessary to implement the IRL-S project. With tremendous support of our federal and state partners, the C-44 project component of the IRL-S is currently under construction. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and the IRL-S, and federal legislation that will provide sufficient funding for the C-44 project and subsequent elements of the IRL-S. The BCC encourages and appreciates the support of the South Florida Water Management District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and related funding. The BCC urges the SFMWD and the USACE to move expeditiously on completion of land purchases and construction of the components in the IRL-S and CERP. Specifically, the BCC requests continued appropriations to support the second phase of the C-44 project so construction may begin in The BCC also requests prioritization of the remaining components of IRL-S and inclusion in the Integrated Delivery Schedule (IDS), the blueprint for everglades restoration implementation. BENEFIT Benefits of the IRL-S include 12,000 acres of above ground storage; 9,000 acres of manmade wetlands; 90,000 acres of natural areas, including 53,000 acres of restored wetlands providing additional water storage; 90 acres of artificial submerged habitat created for aquatic vegetation; 922 acres of submerged aquatic vegetation restored; 7.9 million cubic yards of removed muck; 41 percent long-term reduction in phosphorus; 26 percent long-term reduction in nitrogen; 2,650 acres of habitat; 889 acres of restored oyster habitat and $6.1 million in improved agricultural productivity through improved fresh water supplies. The C-44 will greatly reduce polluted runoff into the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon. The project also brings significant economic benefits, including over 800 jobs. The health of our waterways is essential to our economy, much of which is dependent on a viable coastal ecosystem. The IRL-S project is among the few examples where a local government has shared in the project s funding. This unique and substantial partnership reflects the importance of the Everglades and our waterways to the people of Martin County. FOR MORE INFORMATION Deborah Drum, Ecosystem Restoration and Management Manager, , ddrum@martin.fl.us 9 13 of 83

14 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 FEDERAL HERBERT HOOVER DIKE REHABILITATION BACKGROUND The USACE continues work on Herbert Hoover Dike (HHD), the 143-mile structure surrounding Lake Okeechobee. Since 2007, the USACE has made a significant investment, over $300 million, in projects designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic failure of the aging structure. The HHD is listed as one of the nation s dams in most need of repair and is a USACE (USACE) top priority. There are currently 16 dams in the nation listed in most need of repair in the USACE Dam safety program; HHD is one of them. The lake provides drinking water for communities around the lake and to the more than 6 million people living along the lower east coast and as a source of irrigation for the agricultural industry. STATUS The current regulation schedule for the lake is limited, due to dike integrity, resulting in extreme fluctuations between damaging freshwater releases to tide and dramatic water shortages. The USACE is working to rehabilitate the dike system, including installing a cutoff wall, removing and replacing water control structures (culverts), and conducting a variety of studies and technical reviews to help ensure the safety of south Florida residents. Engineers estimate that at 18.5 feet the current dike has a 55% chance of breach. As reaches of the dike are repaired, the USACE reassesses the HHD risk compared with the other dams in the nation in most need of repair, and reprioritizes. This process delays the completion of the HHD by reducing its priority for funding as it progresses. The HHD is critical not only for protecting surrounding communities from floodwaters, but also as the liquid heart of a multi-billion dollar regional restoration effort in the Everglades. HHD is unique in the number of dependencies that is has in south Florida economy, environment, navigation, agriculture, water supply, and flood protection / public safety. For this myriad of reasons, HHD needs to maintain a high priority status for funding until it is completed. Finally, the USACE is reassessing their options to technically address the problems with the dike. Specifically, the Corps is searching for lower cost alternatives for repair. It is essential that through this process of reassessment that the Corps does not delay the on-going repair work and expedites the project to every possible extent. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS the President s Budget request for construction in FY 15 ($75M) to continue repairs to the HHD. The BCC SUPPORTS ongoing appropriations to support repairs to the HHD. BENEFIT The health, safety and welfare of south Florida residents are central to the need for federal funding assistance. Not only is the dike integrity crucial to the citizens of south Florida, but the inability to handle excess stormwater has become an all too frequent impact to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Estuaries. The massive amounts of stormwater released from Lake Okeechobee carries pollutants and upsets the delicate salinity balance of our coastal ecosystems, resulting in a die-off of environmentally significant plants and animals, blooms of undesirable blue green algae and warnings posted by the State Health Department. Additionally, much of south Florida economy is based on a healthy viable ecosystem. FOR MORE INFORMATION Deborah Drum, Ecosystems Restoration and Management Manager, (772) , ddrum@martin.fl.us of 83

15 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 FEDERAL AND STATE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM AND COUNCIL BACKGROUND The National Estuary Program (NEP), which enjoys broad bipartisan support in the Congress, was created in the 1987 Clean Water Act Amendments and is administered through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to protect and restore water quality and ensure ecological health of estuaries of national significance. There are 28 estuaries of national significance that span multiple states and Congressional Districts all over the country. Each estuary uses local input and local priorities to create a management plan that addresses the issues of water quality and ecological health. The National Estuary Program (NEP), which enjoys broad bipartisan support in the Congress, was created in the 1987 Clean Water Act Amendments and is run through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to protect and restore water quality and ensure ecological health of estuaries of national significance. There are 28 estuaries of national significance that span multiple states and Congressional Districts all over the country. Each estuary uses local input and local priorities to create a management plan that addresses the issues of water quality and ecological health. A new organizational format has been developed to support the activities of the Indian River Lagoon NEP via the Indian River Lagoon Council. The new structure receives local, state and federal funding. U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy and Congressman Bill Posey (FL-08) authored the bipartisan Estuary Urgent Needs Priority Program Act which prioritizes funds within the NEP to meet urgent needs across the nation's estuaries, including estuary systems such as the Indian River Lagoon that are experiencing urgent ecological challenges. Under the current program, although funded at $25.1 million in FY 2014, only $15 million is distributed to the 28 national estuary programs. Each of the nation s 28 estuaries receives a base grant of $538,000, which is significantly lower than an amount needed to meaningful address the myriad of ecosystem challenges faced by the nation s estuaries. Within amounts authorized for the NEPs, this bipartisan bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide awards in addition to estuary base grants for estuaries that are experiencing urgent and challenging ecological problems including sea grass loss, reoccurring harmful algal blooms, invasive exotic species or jellyfish proliferation. These awards would be provided on a competitive basis. Martin County supports this proposal. Congressman Murphy has also introduced the Indian River Lagoon Nutrient Removal Assistance Act. The Act would create a grant program to provide assistance to projects that will result in environmental benefits for the Indian River Lagoon, produce the greatest nutrient load reductions in the area, and advance the initiatives of the Indian River Lagoon National Estuaries Program. The grant program would be funded by increasing fees associated with violating the federal Water Pollution Control Act. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS the Estuary Urgent Needs Priority Program Act and Indian River Lagoon Nutrient Removal Assistance Grant Program and urges passage of this legislation. BENEFIT Funding for the NEP supports local projects in Martin County and a new structure could allow for additional advocacy as well as state and federal funding supporting the health of the Indian River Lagoon. The Estuary Needs Priority Program Act and Indian River Lagoon Nutrient Removal Assistance Act will provide needed funding for the lagoon. FOR MORE INFORMATION Deborah Drum, Ecosystem Restoration and Management Manager, , ddrum@martin.fl.us of 83

16 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 FEDERAL AND STATE USDA CONSERVATION PROGRAMS BACKGROUND Previous versions of the Farm Bill allowed for partnerships with government agencies through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wetlands Reserve Program to preserve and restore wetlands and their associated functions (such as groundwater recharge, flood protection, and nutrient sequestration). The last Farm Bill made such partnerships more challenging by changing the law so that only farmers could use the program. This prevents Martin County or the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) from entering into a contract with USDA. There is an example of a successful partnership between the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the SFWMD, and Martin County that moved forward because it was grandfathered, and the initial agreement was created before the Farm Bill was modified to exclude government entities. The 42,000 acre Allapattah Complex is one of three natural water storage and treatment areas included in the Indian River Lagoon Feasibility Study s recommended plan, a component of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). Its features are expected to provide for restoration of the wetland/upland mosaic of the site and benefit the Indian River Lagoon through water storage in natural wetland systems. To date, 22,172 acres have been purchased with funding from the Save Our Everglades Trust Fund, Martin County s one cent sales tax, the NRCS Wetlands Reserve Program, and the District s Everglades ad valorem tax. The restoration of the Allapattah Complex occurred through partnerships between Martin County, which purchased the land and donated it to the SFWMD and the USDA. SFWMD placed the land into the Wetlands Reserve Program a USDA conservation program. Recently, $4 million was made available through the NRCS to further restore properties that are within the Allapattah Complex. This project would be virtually impossible to implement through a cooperative partnership with government agencies under the current restrictions of the last Farm Bill. The USDA has a new conservation program called the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The RCPP competitively awards funds to conservation projects designed by local partners specifically for their region. Eligible partners include private companies, universities, non-profit organizations, local and tribal governments and others joining with agricultural and conservation organizations and producers to invest money, manpower and materials to their proposed initiatives. With participating partners investing along with the Department, USDA's $1.2 billion in funding over the life of the five-year program can leverage an additional $1.2 billion from partners for a total of $2.4 billion for conservation. Through RCPP, partners propose conservation projects to improve soil health, water quality and water use efficiency, wildlife habitat, and other related natural resources on private lands. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS amending the Farm Bill to open the Wetlands Reserve Program once again to government entities. The BCC further SUPPORTS pursuing partnerships via the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. BENEFIT Opening up the Wetlands Reserve Program once again to government entities would allow for additional conservation and restoration projects of benefit to the Everglades and Indian River Lagoon. The RCPP provides new opportunities for conservation and partnerships. FOR MORE INFORMATION Deborah Drum, Ecosystem Restoration and Management Manager, , ddrum@martin.fl.us of 83

17 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 FEDERAL AND STATE 16 COUNTY ECOSYSTEM SUMMIT LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES BACKGROUND The County Coalition is a multiple County based advisory group organized primarily for the purpose of providing the general public, the South Florida Water Management District, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Legislature, and various groups and committees with a body which will present a variety of issues dealing with the health and welfare of the lakes, estuaries, and riverine systems consisting of Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Estuaries, the Lake Worth Lagoon, and all of the bodies of water connected thereto. For the past three years, the County Coalition has hosted the 16 County Ecosystem Summit (the 16 counties which comprise the South Florida Water Management District), during which representatives from each of the 16 counties gather to discuss and adopt shared legislative priorities associated with the health and welfare of the ecosystem. The 16 County Summit represented over 8 million residents of Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Osceola, Glades, Polk, Highlands, Lee, Hendry, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Orange Counties. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS the legislative priorities of the 16 counties: #1 Herbert Hoover Dike (HHD) FEDERAL: Increase annual appropriation or rehabilitation of the HHD to accelerate project completion. #2 Kissimmee River Restoration (FEDERAL AND STATE): Continued appropriations to complete restoration. Other important priorities: FEDERAL AND STATE: Funding necessary to complete St. Lucie C-44 reservoirs/sta complex and the entire Indian River Lagoon-South project including the C-23, C-24 and C-25 projects FEDERAL AND STATE: Funding necessary to complete the C-43 project FEDERAL: An updated Water Resources and Reform Development Act every two years to include authorization of crucial ecosystem restoration projects STATE: Protect local fertilizer ordinances STATE: Protect local wetland protection ordinances, oppose any preemption to regulations, particularly in water control districts created and operating pursuant to chapter 298, Florida State Statutes STATE: Support the recommendations of the Senate Select Committee on Indian River Lagoon and Lake Okeechobee Basin NOTE- The next 16 County Ecosystem Summit will be held on September 18, 2015 and this document will be updated to reflect the priorities adopted by the Coalition. BENEFIT The 16 counties are represented by 12 Congressional members in the United States House of Representatives as well as by Senator Bill Nelson and Senator Marco Rubio. A unified voice amongst the counties assists all in our advocacy efforts for the region. FOR MORE INFORMATION Deborah Drum, Ecosystems Restoration and Management Manager, , ddrum@martin.fl.us Kate Parmelee, Intergovernmental & Grants Coordinator, , kparmele@martin.fl.us of 83

18 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 FEDERAL AND STATE OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION AND OFFSHORE HARVESTING BACKGROUND The Department of Interior s (DOI) Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) in 2014 finalized a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) on seismic air-gun testing for offshore oil and gas exploration in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida, generally north of the Brevard County line. Seismic testing throughout the Atlantic is expected to begin this year. In addition, BOEM is preparing a new Five-Year Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program for ; and in January, released its Draft Proposed Program, which recommends opening up part of the Atlantic OCS for one lease sale to perform drilling off the coast between Virginia and Georgia in Meanwhile, the Eastern Gulf of Mexico is off-limits for oil and gas exploration through 2022 (as provided for in the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, or GOMESA), but this does not include the Straits of Florida OCS area, which includes Martin County. It is possible additional exploration or drilling could occur off either coast of Florida or the Straits of Florida after 2022 when the GOMESA prohibition expires and a new Administration creates a new Five-Year OCS leasing plan for Several legislative bills have been introduced in Congress to either codify further prohibitions on drilling or exploration activities or to allow for expanded oil and gas activities off both coasts of Florida. Congressman Patrick Murphy and Senator Bill Nelson have both filed bills and amendments that would prohibit seismic testing off Florida s coast. Martin County s natural resources, water quality, endangered species, coral reefs, economic drivers such as marine industry and tourism, lifestyle of the residents, valuable sand resources (as yet unknown), and efforts to develop other off-shore energy sources in our region could be jeopardized by offshore energy exploration and harvesting, harming an already extremely fragile ecosystem. The BCC submitted formal comments to BOEM regarding the 5-year OCS Program in July REQUEST The BCC OPPOSES oil and gas exploration off the Atlantic Coast of Florida and is extremely concerned over the proposed use of air gun testing due to the potentially harmful effects the process has on marine life. In addition to the negative impacts this could have on the ecosystem, air gun testing could also adversely affect activities such as commercial and recreational fishing. The resulting drop in regional tourism could devastate the economies of the local communities. The BCC OPPOSES any offshore resource harvesting that may pose a risk to our environment and economy. FOR MORE INFORMATION Kathy FitzPatrick, Coastal Engineer, , kfitzpat@martin.fl.us of 83

19 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 SOUTHEAST FLORIDA COASTAL OCEAN TASK FORCE - CORAL REEF INITIATIVE BACKGROUND The US Coral Reef Task Force was established through an executive order issued in The Task Force, with the State of Florida, convened a group of marine resource professionals, scientists, non-profit organizations, and agency representatives to form the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI),focusing efforts on the northern section of the Florida Reef Tract., SEFCRI s mission is to : "to develop and support the implementation of an effective strategy to preserve and protect southeast Florida's coral reefs and associated reef resources, emphasizing the balance between resource use and protection, in cooperation with all interested parties. "The group has worked collaboratively to gather detailed information on the location, health, function, and threats to the natural coral reefs that extend from the northern border of Biscayne National Park in Miami-Dade County to the St. Lucie Inlet in Martin County. Recently, the SEFCRI has facilitated the Our Florida Reefs (OFR) program, a community planning process for southeast Florida s coral reefs that is designed to use public involvement to generate grassroots recommendations regarding the future management strategies for these reefs. The Southeast Florida Intergovernmental Coastal Oceans Task Force (COTF) was convened to review management strategies and offer political and agency assistance in the implementation of certain management actions. The COTF unanimously approved a set of recommendations, and the OFR will finalize their recommendations in early REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS: 1) The identification of effective management options to ensure a future of healthy coral reefs in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin counties 2) Federal and state funding to implement recommendations from the OFR and COTF processes, 3) Reauthorizations of the Coral Reef Protection Act of 2000 to allow NOAA to undertake a number of activities to understand, manage, and protect coral reef ecosystems of 83

20 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 FEDERAL AND STATE SOUTHEAST FLORIDA COASTAL OCEAN TASK FORCE - CORAL REEF INITIATIVE (Continued) BENEFIT Coral reefs worldwide face many global and local threats. Atlantic and Caribbean reefs are considered some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world, and they are declining at alarming rates. This includes the coral reefs that stretch from the Dry Tortugas in Monroe County to the St. Lucie Inlet in Martin County, called the Florida Reef Tract. The mainland southeast Florida region, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin counties, borders the only portion of the reef tract that is not part of any management plan. SEFCRI was created to focus on this area specifically because of its coral reefs, which were largely undocumented with little scientific data, are extensive and close to shore, exist by intensely urbanized areas, are economically and ecologically valuable, and lacked coordinated management. Socioeconomic studies in the SEFCRI region were conducted in and showed that reefs within the region generate $3.9B in sales annually. These reefs support important and protected species including many species of corals, tropical and game fish, along with leatherback, green and loggerhead sea turtles. The reefs also reduce wave energy and reduce coastal erosion. FOR MORE INFORMATION Kathy FitzPatrick, Coastal Engineer, , kfitzpat@martin.fl.us of 83

21 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 ADDITIONAL NATURAL RESOURCES/ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATIVE ISSUES The BCC also endorses the following legislative position statements/requests the following to support our natural resources and environment: Waters of the U.S.: On April 21 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) jointly released a new proposed rule Definition of Waters of the U.S. Under the Clean Water Act that would amend the definition of waters of the U.S. and expand the range of waters that fall under federal jurisdiction. Counties could feel a major impact as more waters become federally protected and subject to new rules or standards. Support legislation that clarifies that local streets, gutters, and human-made ditches are excluded from the definition of Waters of the U.S., while also requiring federal agencies to consult with state and local officials to identify which waters should be federally regulated and which should be left to the states. Martin County is concerned about any potential impediments to the construction of much needed infrastructure to support water quality in our community. Central Everglades Planning Project: Support inclusion of the Central Everglades Planning Project in the next Water Resources Development Act. CEPP is a first increment of full Everglades restoration and will deliver 200,000 acre-feet of new water from Lake Okeechobee to the central Everglades annually. Additional increments are needed to create 10,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) of discharge capacity from the Lake, and a total of 2 million acre feet of storage in the Lake Okeechobee watershed. Pal-Mar Land Acquisition: Support the additional acquisition of land in the Pal-Mar Water Control District for conservation and water quality treatment in the headwaters of the Loxahatchee River watershed. Land and Water Conservation Fund: Support funding for the LWCF grant program. Ten Mile Creek: Support the federal de-authorization of the project and the South Florida Water Management District s efforts to expedite a resolution to the lawsuit that is delaying the Ten Mile Creek Reservoir project (Federal/State). NOAA Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program: Support reinstatement of funding to support land acquisition within the Indian River Lagoon Blueway. FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES FEDERAL COMMITTEE - ENVIRONMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY STATEMENTS ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & AGRICULTURE To be updated following FAC Policy Conference of 83

22 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 GROWTH MANAGEMENT & AGRICULTURE GROWTH MANAGEMENT AND AGRICULTURE ISSUES The BCC endorses the following position statements on legislative issues: Sustainable Agriculture: Monitor state and federal legislation regulating Small Farms, Farm to Institution programs, and food safety that will negatively impact direct market and green market producers. Water Farming: SUPPORT funding for water farming projects that would store water and prevent harmful run-off from flowing into area waterways of 83

23 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 INFRASTRUCTURE INTRODUCTION Much of the strength and vitality of local and state economies are built in part upon the foundation of infrastructure and services provided by county government. The following legislative priorities have been selected to advance Martin County s priorities concerning infrastructure of 83

24 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 FEDERAL AND STATE ST. LUCIE INLET FEDERAL NAVIGATION PROJECT BACKGROUND Congress approved the St. Lucie, Florida Federal Navigation Project by resolution in May The authorization contains key structural components along with ongoing maintenance of the federal channel. The Impoundment Basin, completed in 2002, traps sediments entering the inlet before they can impact the navigation channel. The North Jetty Rehab, completed in 2009, increased the jetty height, shielding the navigation channel from heavy seas, and better distributing sand deposition throughout the impoundment basin. The St. Lucie Inlet Management Plan (Final Draft) requires that certain volumes of sand be placed on adjacent eroding beaches to mitigate for impacts resulting from the existence of the Inlet. As sand accumulates in the Inlet, it fills the impoundment basin and, if not maintained in a timely manner, eventually begins to spill into the navigation channel making the St. Lucie Inlet increasingly difficult to navigate. Shallow conditions generate dangerous currents and waves. While in the past the St. Lucie Inlet has received federal funding as a special appropriation in the federal budget, the move away from directing funds to specific local projects has made securing federal funding for the maintenance of the Inlet more challenging. STATUS The main capital improvement elements of the St. Lucie Inlet project have been completed. Ongoing maintenance is generally needed every 3-4 years. The St. Lucie Inlet was dredged by Martin County using state and local funds in early 2012 and it was dredged in 2014 with a combination of federal, state and local funds in order to return the Inlet to pre-hurricane Sandy conditions. A full maintenance dredging project will likely be required again in FY New maintenance dredging design options to reduce the cost of Regional Sediment Management are being explored with the Jacksonville District. REQUESTS The BCC SUPPORTS and requests: 1) Adequate annual funding for the USACE Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Small, Remote, or Subsistence Navigation dredging account, including additional funding for dredging not identified in the annual Federal Administration budget. 2) $7 million is needed to dredge the St. Lucie Inlet in the near future. 3) Securing a long-term contributed funds agreement (CFA) to allow for the continuation of an active partnership between the County and the Corps as we both work to manage and maintain the Inlet. A longterm CFA will allow the County to maintain the Inlet at our expense in times of need. 4) Issuance of a Federal permit to the County should the County need to do our own dredging to achieve greater cost-effectiveness of 83

25 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 FEDERAL AND STATE ST. LUCIE INLET FEDERAL NAVIGATION PROJECT (Continued) BENEFIT The Inlet is important to our community because it provides critical access between our inland docks, piers, and waterways with the Atlantic Ocean, as well as facilitating Gulf to Atlantic transit through Lake Okeechobee. Furthermore, the Inlet provides the following benefits: Safety/Port of Refuge: The St. Lucie Inlet provides access to protected waters. Access to such areas is of prime importance to oceangoing vessels, especially in times of severe storms and hurricanes. This became extremely important during past hurricane seasons. Boaters will also continue to try to navigate the Inlet even after the Coast Guard has declared it unsafe for navigation. Economy, Recreation & Tourism: Our waterways provide $362 million in annual sales, $123 million in personal income, and $588 million in property values. The marine industry accounts for one in ten jobs in Martin County the Inlet is vital to those who rely on it for their livelihood. A safe, navigable Inlet and the benefit to beaches down drift from bypassed sand increases economic value of commercial and recreational boating and provides invaluable recreational opportunities to residents and visitors. Environment: The Inlet serves an important environmental function by flushing water discharged from Lake Okeechobee via the St. Lucie Canal into the Atlantic Ocean. Shoaling of the Inlet, coupled with inevitable Lake releases, could harm the estuary we are working so hard to protect. FOR MORE INFORMATION Kathy Fitzpatrick, Coastal Engineer, , kfitzpat@martin.fl.us of 83

26 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 FEDERAL AND STATE MARTIN COUNTY SHORE PROTECTION PROJECT BACKGROUND This project was authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of Its purpose is to provide a protective beach berm and storm dune approximately 3.75 miles long, and for periodic nourishment of the restored beach and adjacent shoreline as required. It is notable that property on the barrier islands of Martin County represents almost 20% of total taxable property value in the County. CURRENT STATUS Martin County completed the third full maintenance nourishment of the project in April 2013 in partnership with the USACE and the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS the retention of federal funding for the Martin County Shore Protection Project as well as the South St. Lucie County Shore Protection Project. BENEFIT Project benefits include: storm damage reduction for 3.75 miles of barrier island; prevention of land loss; valuable recreational benefits; and protection of a vital evacuation route for residents. FOR MORE INFORMATION Kathy FitzPatrick, Coastal Engineer, , kfitzpat@martin.fl.us of 83

27 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 FEDERAL AND STATE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM BACKGROUND The need to repair and replace aging infrastructure and associated backlog continues to grow at the national and state level, as well as locally in Martin County. One area of particular need in Martin County concerns bridge replacement. The average life expectancy of a bridge is 50 years and nearly one-quarter of Martin County s bridges have exceeded that age. Martin County maintains 50 fixed bridges, the Hobe Sound Bascule Bridge and 26 pedestrian bridges. Currently, there is a $4.6 million backlog for bridge rehabilitation. BENEFIT Lack of funds is preventing needed bridge replacement, essential for public safety and our economy. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS increased funding via the Florida Department of Transportation for county bridge repairs in order to enable these critical upgrades to aging infrastructure. FOR MORE INFORMATION Terry Rauth, Deputy County Engineer, , trauth@martin.fl.us of 83

28 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 FEDERAL AND STATE WITHAM FIELD/CONTRACT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER BACKGROUND The contract tower at Witham Field was to lose federal funding critical to its operation in June 2013 due to sequestration cuts identified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)/Department of Transportation (DOT). Due to Congressional action, the contract tower at Witham Field remains open and operational this fiscal year. Beyond the significant safety issues and potential noise impacts, closing Witham Tower would have had a significant impact on our economy, including the potential loss of some airport operators. Funding for the next fiscal year is still uncertain. Witham Field has long been a participant in the FAA Contract Tower Program. For three decades, this program has provided essential air traffic safety services at a great value to the FAA and taxpayers, as detailed in the November 2012 Department of Transportation Inspector General audit of the program. To illustrate the costeffectiveness of this safety program, the FAA contract towers handled approximately 28 percent of all tower operations for just 14 percent of FAA s total air traffic control tower budget. As a result of this 30-year government/industry partnership, the Contract Tower Program: (1) enhances aviation safety at smaller airports that otherwise would not have a tower; (2) provides significant savings to the FAA and taxpayers; (3) helps small airports with retaining and developing commercial air service and general aviation; (4) promotes economic development and creates jobs locally, and (5) consistently receives high marks for customer service from aviation users and pilots. Moreover, federal contract towers operate together with FAA-staffed facilities throughout the country as part of a unified national air traffic control system. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS full funding of $150 million for the FAA Contract Tower Program in the FY 2016 and 2017 DOT/FAA Appropriations bills. BENEFIT This program is critical to our community for the safety of the flying public and the citizens of Martin County. From an economic perspective alone, Witham Field airport directly supports 1,240 jobs, a total payroll of $35.7 million and total economic activity of $295 million (Source: 2010 FDOT Aviation Economic Impact Study). FOR MORE INFORMATION George Stokus, Airport Manager, , gstokus@martin.fl.us of 83

29 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 ADDITIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE LEGISLATIVE ISSUES The BCC also endorses the following legislative position statements/requests the following to support our infrastructure: All Aboard Florida: The BCC urges the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration and the State of Florida and its agencies, to require All Aboard Florida to pay for the costs of All Aboard Florida, including improvements to rail crossings and the construction of quiet zones and corridor improvements, and that there shall be no government assistance, in the form of loans, infrastructure or rightof-way at less than market rates, as such support would put the risk of the passenger rail service on the backs of taxpayers. Impact of Rail Traffic on Bridges/Navigation: The BCC urges the Coast Guard to address impacts to navigation of All Aboard Florida and increased rail traffic. Martin County requests that the Coast Guard immediately initiate the Rulemaking Process to establish predictable hourly opening times with minimum safe vessel transit times. The BCC believes the current Rail Bridge is an obstruction to navigation and recommends that the bridge be replaced with a span that has a minimum 80 foot horizontal clearance. The opening of the Rail Bridge should be aligned with the opening of the Old Roosevelt Bridge to improve navigation. The BCC further requests that until the St. Lucie River Rail Bridge is replaced, a bridge tender should be provided to coordinate openings with the Dixie Highway (Old Roosevelt Bridge). Hourly openings should be on a predictable schedule with a minimum safe vessel transit time of 15 minutes every hour. The 15 minute safe vessel transit time should not include the time it takes for the railroad bridge to be locked open or to be locked down. A vessel detection system should be installed on the St. Lucie River Rail Bridge until a bridge tender is provided. Fort Pierce Shore Protection Project: The predominant north-to-south transport of beach sand place Martin County s beaches in a down drift location relative to St. Lucie County. Therefore, Martin County beaches benefit from shore protection projects to the north, such as the Fort Pierce Shore Protection Project. The Federal government and St. Lucie County have long partnered on the Fort Pierce shore protection project and the St. Lucie County shoreline feasibility study, which is evaluating erosion along the southern shoreline of the County. SUPPORT adequate annual funding for the Corps of Engineers Investigations and Construction accounts, including additional funding specifically for shore protection projects not identified in the annual Administration budget. SUPPORT the Corps funding of the St. Lucie County feasibility study in Fiscal Year Monitor the continuation of the General Reevaluation Report for the Fort Pierce project. Monitor the search for additional offshore sand by the Corps of Engineers for future southeast Florida nourishment projects. Broadband: SUPPORT municipal broadband networks and increased funding and collaborative efforts for broadband infrastructure needs. Infrastructure/Construction Funding: Identify and apply for federal funding to improve infrastructure for county facilities. Property Insurance: SUPPORT legislation to increase accessibility and decrease cost of windstorm and flood insurance. Witham Field Noise Reduction: SUPPORT and advocate for federal funding for the 60DNL program Phase III Noise Reduction Program. FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES FEDERAL COMMITTEE INFRASTRUCTURE POLICY STATEMENTS TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE, NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM To be updated following FAC Policy Conference of 83

30 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 FINANCE, TAX, ADMINISTRATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The following legislative policy statements relate to finance, tax, administration and economic development have been identified to advance Martin County s goals and support a sustainable economy. FINANCE & TAX, ADMINISTRATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEGISLATIVE ISSUES Indiantown Economic Development: The BCC requests support from the Martin County Federal Delegation and federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture in comprehensively assisting Indiantown in achieving its economic development goals and addressing its needs. Payment in Lieu of Taxes: The BCC urges Congress to extend mandatory full funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program for FY 2015 and secure a permanent funding solution. Without prompt Congressional action, counties may face budget shortfalls that will impact their ability to provide essential services to residents and visitors. Loss of such funding would result in a $211,896 annual impact to Martin County, the School Board of Martin County and Town of Jupiter Island due to this potential loss of funding from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Marine, Agriculture, Knowledge and Information, Bio-Science: Support funding to strengthen and expand the marine, agriculture, knowledge and information, bio-science, and high wage aircraft industry economic sectors, focused upon increasing high paying jobs and a broadened tax base in selected economic sectors. Establish a Center of Excellence to support marine manufacturing. Property Insurance: Support legislation to increase accessibility and decrease cost of windstorm and flood insurance. FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES FEDERAL COMMITTEE FINANCE & TAX, ADMINISTRATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY STATEMENTS TAX REFORM, ENTITLEMENTS AND APPROPRIATIONS To be updated following FAC Policy Conference of 83

31 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES The following legislative issues have been identified as important to health and human service delivery in Martin County. Summer Meals Act of 2015: According to the USDA, a staggering one-in-five households with children were food insecure in That means millions of children did not know where their next meal would come from, and hundreds of thousands of children went hungry, skipped a meal, or did not eat for a whole day. During the school year, this problem is partly addressed by the National School Lunch Program, which provides free or reduced-priced meals to 22 million children. However, when school wraps up for the year and summer vacation begins, hunger doesn t just go away and that s where the Summer Nutrition Programs step in to provide healthy meals and snacks to hungry, low-income children. The Summer Meals Act of 2015, introduced in the Senate by Sen. Kirstin Gillibrand (D-NY) and in the House by Rep. Don Young (R-AK-At Large) would strengthen, protect, and expand access to the Summer Nutrition Programs and make it easier for park and recreation agencies like Martin County s to feed hungry children by: Allowing communities to feed all low-income kids during the summer if 40% (previously 50%) of children in the area are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Allowing park and recreation agencies to feed children year-round by filing one application. Creating a grant to fund mobile meal trucks and innovative approaches to meal transportation. Allowing park and recreation agencies to serve a third meal, giving children enough nutrition to get through the day. This program is important to the work of the Martin County Parks & Recreation Department. FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES FEDERAL COMMITTEE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES POLICY STATEMENTS To be updated following FAC Policy Conference of 83

32 FY 2015 Federal Legislative Program FY 2016 PUBLIC SAFETY FEDERAL AND STATE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS REGIONAL RESPONSE TEAMS FUNDING BACKGROUND Previously, the Domestic Security Oversight Council (DSOC) limited SWAT and Hazmat Regional Response Teams eligible for annual State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) funding to a maximum of three teams per region. In making this change, the DSOC removed from present and future funding eligibility ten of Florida s twenty nine local agency based fire service WMD Hazardous Materials Teams; a full one third of the state s available assets. Most troubling, these reductions occurred in five of the state s most populous regions and in the very areas that recent risk modeling developed by the State Fire Marshal s Office indicates has the greatest risk. Moreover, these are the only specialty team assets statewide impacted by this action. Martin County s Team was one of those teams. Funded teams are concentrated in the northern area of the region, leaving other areas not adequately funded. It is understood that funding available to local governments continues to decline and that was a driving force behind the committee s recommendation. Martin County Staff has expressed concerns that this not occur however until a comprehensive statewide risk, threat and vulnerability assessment be completed. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS the reinstatement of federal and state funding for regional hazardous materials response teams. In the absence of the ability to access funds through the SHSP, it is requested that our state legislative delegation advocate for appropriations funding to cover the annual gap in this year's funds of approximately $45,000. BENEFIT Funding is critical to protect the region and citizens of Martin County and the State of Florida. FOR MORE INFORMATION Joe Ferrara, Fire Rescue Chief, , jferrara@martin.fl.us of 83

33 MARTIN COUNTY Board of County Commissioners 2016 State Legislative Program 33 of 83

34 MARTIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Doug Smith, District Edward Fielding, District Anne Scott, District Sarah Heard, District John Haddox, District of 83

35 2016 STATE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM CONTENTS Martin County Board of County Commissioners... 1 FY 2015 Strategic Goals... 3 FAC - FY 2016 State Legislative Priorities... 4 Guiding Principles... 5 Environment/Natural Resources Policy Statements... 7 Growth Management and Agriculture Policy Statements Infrastructure Policy Statements Finance, Tax, Administration & Economic Development Policy Statements Health & Human Services Policy Statements Public Safety Policy Statements of 83

36 MARTIN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FY 2014 STRATEGIC GOALS 1 Regional issues: Martin County shall work with all governments and across county lines to advocate for projects of regional interest. Board Legislative and Planning: Martin County shall review its planning and development efforts to ensure that it maintains quality residential and non-residential uses, protects natural resources, and enhances economic development in a fiscally conservative manner. Infrastructure and project priorities: Martin County shall maintain its infrastructure in an efficient, cost effective manner to ensure public facilities serve County residents' needs. Internal Policies and Procedures: Martin County shall continue to refine its internal policies and procedures to ensure that it achieves the highest level of efficiency and accountability for its use of taxpayer monies. Economic Development: Martin County shall continue efforts to support economic diversification of its local economy. Infrastructure: Define new (updated) Management Plan (IMP) for St. Lucie Inlet 1 FY 2016 Strategic Goals have not yet been developed; this document will be updated to reflect new goals once adopted of 83

37 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES FY 2016 STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Martin County works in partnership with Florida s 67 counties via the Florida Association of Counties (FAC). Policy statements adopted by the FAC membership for the 2015 Florida Legislative Session have been identified with the FAC logo throughout Martin County s State Legislative Program. The following legislative priorities have been identified by FAC. TO BE UPDATED FOLLOWING FAC POLICY CONFERENCE AUGUST 24-26, of 83

38 Guiding Principles The ability to maintain home rule and avoid unfunded mandates are central to Martin County s federal and state legislative priorities and advocacy needs, as outlined below. FEDERAL AND STATE HOME RULE BACKGROUND The BCC is dedicated to the preservation of democratic principles, specifically that the government closest to the people is the appropriate authority to serve the needs and requirements of the community. Home rule is the right of the people to determine and implement a public purpose at the grassroots level. Home rule power is conferred to Florida counties by Article VIII, Section 1(f) and 1(g) of the Florida Constitution (1968), and by section , Florida Statutes. The preservation of this fundamental democratic concept is essential to the operation of county governments in Florida. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS maintaining the integrity of county home rule power, both administrative and fiscal, which allows counties to develop and implement community-based solutions to local problems. BENEFIT Preserving home rule principles ensures that local government, which is closest to its citizens, is able to serve the needs of the community. Home rule is essential in maintaining Martin County s unique character and strong environmental regulations. FOR MORE INFORMATION Taryn Kryzda, County Administrator, , tkryzda@martin.fl.us 5 38 of 83

39 FEDERAL AND STATE UNFUNDED MANDATES BACKGROUND An unfunded mandate is defined as a state or federal directive that compels local governments to provide a service, program, or benefit without providing the appropriate monies or a funding source. While some mandates are justified because they achieve agreed upon policy goals, many, if not most mandates are imposed without the consensus of local governments or resources for implementation. Mandates drain the financial lifeblood from county governments and impede the ability to adequately deliver fundamental services required by law. Mandates also compromise a county s ability to provide discretionary services requested by the local community. REQUEST The BCC OPPOSES any state or federal actions that limit the ability of local elected officials to make fiscal and public policy decisions for the citizens they represent. The BCC SUPPORTS the establishment of an agreed upon course of action whereby elected officials deliberatively evaluate the appropriate funding and delivery of intergovernmental service responsibilities between the county and state or federal governments. BENEFIT Eliminating unfunded mandates is legislatively responsible and will ensure that local governments can plan more effectively to provide the most basic services to their citizens. IMPACT OF UNFUNDED MANDATES Since 2007, Florida s counties have cut $3 BILLION from their budgets, putting all counties near 2005 property tax levels. FOR MORE INFORMATION Kate Parmelee, Intergovernmental & Grants Coordinator, , kparmele@martin.fl.us Source: Florida Association of Counties 6 39 of 83

40 ENVIRONMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY Conservation and protection of our natural resources is critical to managing growth, promoting economic development, and maintaining a healthy environment to ensure a high quality of life for county citizens. Accordingly, and in keeping with home rule authority, Martin County and the Florida Association of Counties support the right to adopt local environmental regulations to protect a community s unique natural resources. The health of Martin County s diverse waterways and ecosystem is essential, and significantly threatened. Surface waters of the northeast Everglades naturally flowed south to the Everglades, west to Lake Okeechobee and east to the Indian River Lagoon, the most diverse estuary in North America. Projects constructed in the 1950s diverted surface waters into canals and into the St. Lucie Estuary and the Indian River Lagoon. As a result, billions of gallons of freshwater are wasted daily to the Atlantic Ocean. During large surface water discharge events, the water quality of the lagoon and surrounding estuary are severely impacted, harming aquatic plants and animals, and requiring restrictions for human contact. As Martin County continues to advocate for solutions to this difficult issue, it is vigilant in its desire to improve our waterways. A clean and sustainable water supply is essential to our community and a healthy Everglades and South Florida ecosystem support tens of thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to our economy. Our community is proud to lead the way in water quality. For example: Martin County citizens have voluntarily taxed themselves, generating $75M to support Everglades restoration and water quality. We acquired 45,000 acres for various CERP projects that include the restoration of upland and wetland ecosystems. Since 2000 Martin County has invested more than $50M in 25 stormwater projects serving over 6,000 acres. We ve restored 28 acres of oyster habitat in the St. Lucie Estuary. We ve adopted a fertilizer ordinance and championed its protection. The following legislative priorities have been selected to advance Martin County s priority of ensuring healthy waterways and ecosystems, in order to protect our natural resources essential to our economy and quality of life of 83

41 FEDERAL AND STATE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON-SOUTH (IRL-S)/EVERGLADES RESTORATION (CERP) BACKGROUND The Indian River Lagoon-South (IRL-S) Restoration Project, part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) was authorized as part of the 2007 Water Resources Development Act to address the damaging effects of pollution and unnaturally large fresh water discharges into our ecologically vital water bodies. The IRL- S Project employs a regional approach to address the Martin and St. Lucie County portions of the lagoon. The plan identifies six features that will work together to protect and restore the lagoon and estuary 1) four new above ground reservoirs to capture water from the C-44, C-23, C-24 and C-25 canals for increased storage; 2) three new stormwater treatment areas to reduce sediment, phosphorus and nitrogen going to the St. Lucie River estuary and the lagoon. STAs are planned for each of the canal basins; 3) Restoration of the upland/wetland mosaic and habitat; 4) Redirection of water from the C-23/24 basin to the north fork of the St. Lucie River; 5) Muck removal from the north and south forks of the St. Lucie River and the middle estuary; 6) Oyster shell, reef balls and artificial submerged aquatic vegetation near muck removal sites will be added for habitat improvement. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), in partnership with Martin County, has purchased 100% of the land necessary to construct the 12,000 acre $330 million C-44 project in Martin County. Local voters in Martin County voluntarily approved special tax referendums that have committed over $75 million that assisted in the purchase of land necessary to implement the IRL-S project. With tremendous support of our federal and state partners, the C-44 project component of IRL-S is currently under construction. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and the IRL-S, and state legislation that will provide sufficient funding for the C-44 project and subsequent elements of the IRL-S. The BCC appreciates the support of the SFWMD and the USACE and urges them to move expeditiously on completion of land purchases and construction of the components in the IRL-S and CERP. The BCC supports State funding of at least $150 million for Everglades Restoration, with high priority given to the Indian River Lagoon-South project. Specifically, the BCC requests prioritization and appropriations for the remaining components of IRL-S and inclusion in the Integrated Delivery Schedule (IDS), the blueprint for everglades restoration implementation. BENEFIT Benefits of the IRL-S Project include 12,000 acres of above ground storage; 9,000 acres of manmade wetlands; 90,000 acres of natural areas, including 53,000 acres of restored wetlands providing additional water storage; 90 acres of artificial submerged habitat created for aquatic vegetation; 922 acres of submerged aquatic vegetation restored; 7.9 million cubic yards of removed muck; 41 percent long-term reduction in phosphorus; 26 percent long-term reduction in nitrogen; 2,650 acres of habitat; 889 acres of restored oyster habitat and $6.1 million in improved agricultural productivity through improved fresh water supplies. The C-44 component of the Indian River Lagoon project will greatly reduce polluted runoff into the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon. The project also brings significant economic benefits, including over 800 jobs. The health of our waterways is essential to our economy. The Indian River Lagoon-South project is one of the few examples where a local government has shared in the project s funding. This unique and substantial partnership reflects the importance of the Everglades and our waterways to the people of Martin County. FOR MORE INFORMATION Deborah Drum, Ecosystem Restoration and Management Manager, , ddrum@martin.fl.us 8 41 of 83

42 FEDERAL AND STATE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON COUNCIL AND NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM BACKGROUND The National Estuary Program (NEP), which enjoys broad bipartisan support in the Congress, was created in the 1987 Clean Water Act Amendments and is run through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to protect and restore water quality and ensure ecological health of estuaries of national significance. There are 28 estuaries of national significance that span multiple states and Congressional Districts all over the country. Each estuary uses local input and local priorities to create a management plan that addresses the issues of water quality and ecological health. A new organizational format has been developed to support the activities of the Indian River Lagoon NEP via the Indian River Lagoon Council. The new structure receives local, state and federal funding. REQUEST Support continued state funding for the Indian River Lagoon Council, as approved through interlocal agreement. BENEFIT Funding for the NEP supports local projects in Martin County and a new structure could allow for additional advocacy as well as state and federal funding to support the health of the Indian River Lagoon. FOR MORE INFORMATION Deborah Drum, Ecosystem Restoration and Management Manager, , ddrum@martin.fl.us 9 42 of 83

43 STATE AMENDMENT 1 - THE FLORIDA WATER AND LAND CONSERVATON AMENDMENT BACKGROUND Florida s Water & Land Legacy Campaign successfully passed a constitutional amendment to guarantee funding for environmental protection in Florida. This amendment took effect on July 1, 2015 and requires for the next 20 years that 33 percent of net revenues from existing excise tax on documents (doc stamps) be placed in a trust fund and designated for land acquisition and improvement of water areas, together with management, restoration of natural systems, and enhancement of public access or recreational enjoyment of conservation lands. The amendment will provide an average of $796.3 million toward conservation for the first 10 years and $19 billion over the 20 years, according to state analysts. Supporters peg the amount at $10 billion over the entire 20 years. The amendment expires in Governor Scott has proposed an ambitious plan for funding the restoration and protection of Florida s Everglades over the next 20 years. The Governor s budget proposed a dedicated, ongoing source of revenue for Everglades restoration through the implementation of the water and land conservation amendment, specifically the greater of 25.7% or $150 million. These funds include the $32 million distributed to the South Florida Water Management District for Restoration Strategies. The proposal also instructs the Department of Environmental Protection and the South Florida Water Management District to give preference to those Everglades restoration projects that reduce discharges of water from Lake Okeechobee to the St. Lucie or Caloosahatchee estuaries in the timeliest manner. Also included is $150 million in each fiscal year for land acquisition and increased land management. In the 2015 Legislative Session, Martin County joined Lee County and other counties and organizations in advocating for a dedicated funding source for Everglades restoration as well as increased funding for land acquisition through Amendment 1. The Legislature did not act on these long term proposals in the 2015 session. REQUEST The Martin County Board of County Commissioners SUPPORTS the Governor s proposal of $5 billion in funding for Everglades restoration and land acquisition and management. The Board SUPPORTS increasing funding for land acquisition and restoration to provide additional storage north and south of Lake Okeechobee. BENEFIT Currently planned, designed and approved regional projects as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), such as the Indian River Lagoon-South Project, will greatly help mitigate the adverse impacts from large discharges to the coastal areas -- ultimately creating a stronger, more resilient coastal resource. A dedicated funding source will continue Florida s job growth and eliminate the stops and starts that have repeatedly impeded Everglades restoration progress in the past. Establishment of a consistent, long-term revenue stream provides for progress of restoration projects. The citizens of the State of Florida have overwhelmingly approved Amendment 1 designed to... acquire, restore, improve and manage conservation lands. Additional land is needed to store water north and south of Lake Okeechobee. A clean and healthy environment fuels Martin County s economic engine and is critical to our quality of life. FOR MORE INFORMATION Deborah Drum, Ecosystem Restoration and Management Manager, , ddrum@martin.fl.us of 83

44 STATE FLORIDA FOREVER BACKGROUND The Florida Forever Program assists in conservation of the State s natural resources. Millions of acres of lands have been preserved under this and predecessor programs leveraging state dollars with local funds to preserve locally and regionally important ecosystems. In Martin County, 22,867 acres have been acquired previously through this program. The Florida Forever program has not been consistently funded by the Legislature over the past few years, which has set back both state and local government efforts to preserve the natural resources and environmentally sensitive lands within the state. Martin County itself has identified over 50,000 acres of conservation land appropriate to purchase. Additional acquisition of conservation lands support the protection of Florida s water resources, including safe guarding future drinking water supplies and water for a healthy environment. Protecting these resources is the basis for a vibrant and growing economy, where public lands are woven into local communities for people to enjoy, recreate, and add to their overall quality of life. Martin County Projects currently on the Florida Forever list include the Atlantic Ridge Ecosystem; the Indian River Lagoon Blue-way and Pal-Mar (Martin/Palm Beach). To continue with the goals set forth by the Florida Forever Act, consistent funding of the program is essential, either under the Amendment 1 framework or as a stand-alone portion of the budget. In order for agencies to continue to protect environmentally significant lands and water resources, provide recreational activities and implement local comprehensive plans, funding sources must also be provided to assist in land management. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS the continuation of the Florida Forever land acquisition program and full funding of this nationally recognized program, providing local match funding for local land acquisition. The County additionally supports funding dedicated to the management of local, joint local-state and state-owned conservation lands that are managed by local governments in the form of a flat fee or a percentage of the management costs. BENEFIT The specified appropriations will allow the County to apply for State matching funds through Florida Forever Grant programs for land acquisitions that are eligible for the funds. This will leverage our local government acquisition dollars. FOR MORE INFORMATION Deborah Drum, Ecosystems Restoration and Management Manager, , ddrum@martin.fl.us of 83

45 STATE SEPTIC TO SEWER CONVERSIONS BACKGROUND AND BENEFIT Following the Indian River Lagoon Act passed by the Florida Legislature in 1990, the Martin County Public Health Unit prepared a report on on-site septic systems and the Indian River Lagoon, and identified the threat to surface water quality of the Indian River Lagoon by septic systems. Since that time, Martin County Utilities has connected 70 on-site package wastewater plants serving 19,500 people to the County s Regional Wastewater System. This eliminated the flow of 5.8 million gallons a day of wastewater into the watershed. The BCC is committed to identifying the source and solutions to elevated bacteria levels in the St. Lucie River and Estuary, and has requested the Florida Department of Environmental Assessment and Restoration (DEAR) assist Martin County Utilities and Engineering staff in a wet season microbial source tracking study. The BCC is committed to a science-based approach to the conversion of septic tanks to central sewer systems. REQUEST The BCC requests the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and Legislature SUPPORT funding of a program to accelerate the conversion of septic tanks in areas of critical concern to centralized sewer. Specifically, the BOCC requests funding via the water projects application process for: Old Palm City Septic to Sewer Conversion Project (Phase 1): $2 million with $2 million match Golden Gate Septic to Sewer Conversion: $2 million request with $2 million match The BCC SUPPORTS amending state statute to allow for local governments to provide voluntary inspections of septic tank systems. FOR MORE INFORMATION John Polley, Utilities & Solid Waste Director, , jpolley@martin.fl.us of 83

46 STATE ALL AMERICAN DITCH STORMWATER QUALITY RETROFIT PROJECT BACKGROUND The proposed project entails the construction of a lake and stormwater treatment area (STA), configured in a treatment train fashion, in Palm City, Martin County, Florida. The primary objective of the project that will also advance the South Florida Water Management District s Strategic Plan, is to provide water quality treatment benefits by reducing nutrient loads. The project will be designed to provide maximum nutrient load reductions possible providing water quality treatment for a 267 acre basin. Runoff will be conveyed to the project s lake and STA by a proposed water quality weir, the filling and re-grading of a portion of All American Ditch and the installation of a proposed pipe system. Statewide Goal: Basin Management Action Plan Nutrient Reduction: Project will reduce nutrient loads by an estimated 69.2% for Total Phosphorus (TP), Total Nitrogen (TN) by 48% and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) by 91% to the South St. Lucie Estuary, a nutrient impaired water body with an adopted TMDL and BMAP. Project Costs: $3,025,000 Estimated Design/Construction Completion Dates: 8/30/15 (Design) 7/01/17 (Construction) REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS an appropriation request through the 2016 water projects application process for $670,000 with a local match of $1,222,000. BENEFIT The health of Martin County s diverse waterways and ecosystem is critical, and uniquely threatened. Surface waters of the northern Everglades naturally flowed south to the Everglades, west to Caloosahatchee River and east to the St. Lucie Estuary and Indian River Lagoon, the most diverse estuary in North America. Projects constructed in the 1950s diverted surface waters into canals and into the St. Lucie Estuary and the Indian River Lagoon. During large discharges from Lake Okeechobee and basins water quality is significantly impacted, harming plants and animals and can result in health advisories restricting human contact. A clean and sustainable water supply is essential to our community, the Everglades and South Florida ecosystem, which support tens of thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to Florida s economy. FOR MORE INFORMATION Deborah Drum, Ecosystems Restoration and Management Manager, , ddrum@martin.fl.us of 83

47 STATE ST. LUCIE RIVER AND INDIAN RIVER LAGOON ISSUES TEAM BACKGROUND The St. Lucie River Issues Team was formed in Its purpose was to develop federal, state and stakeholder consensus on an action plan that would immediately accelerate progress toward improving water and habitat quality in the St. Lucie Estuary and further more comprehensive local ecosystem restoration goals. The Issues Team members, representing 17 different federal, state and local governments, as well as agricultural and environmental organizations, has continued to solicit, rank and submit projects to the Florida Legislature for the past 14 years. Projects funded by the St. Lucie River Issues Team include stormwater retrofit projects, septic tank conversion programs, stormwater treatment area creation, and other regional watershed restoration projects, critical to the health of our local waters, community and economy. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS and requests funding be appropriated as recommended by the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon Issue Team in the FY 2016 state budget. The Martin County Board of County Commissioners and St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners will jointly submit these requests on behalf of the Team. The Issues Team has a long history of working with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). SFWMD is a local presence in the region that understands the system and the benefit each of these projects provide. Given this position, when making the request for legislative funds, it is requested that it be identified in the General Appropriations Act that any appropriation be designated for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for transfer to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). The approved funds will then be allowed to pass through from FDEP to the SFWMD. The FY 16 requested appropriation and project list are currently in development, and when the request is finalized this policy statement will be updated. BENEFIT To date, the Issues Team has received $65.7 million from the Florida Legislature, and an additional $2 million from the Federal Government. The program has funded over 137 individual projects in Martin and St. Lucie counties and their municipalities. So far, the projects have restored more than 4,671 acres of habitat, 4,358 acres of wetlands and 25,940 feet of shoreline throughout the lagoon and its watershed. FOR MORE INFORMATION Deborah Drum, Ecosystems Restoration and Management Manager, , ddrum@martin.fl.us of 83

48 STATE LOXAHATCHEE RIVER PRESERVATION INITIATIVE BACKGROUND The Loxahatchee River is the southernmost tributary of the Indian River Lagoon and includes the North Fork of the Loxahatchee River, one of two nationally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in Florida. Despite its Federal designation as a Wild and Scenic River and the protective status associated with classification as an Outstanding Florida Water, significant problems with the River need to be addressed. Development in the River s watershed has altered much of the natural flow of the River and water quality concerns are widespread. Within the Wild and Scenic portion of the River, virtually all of the cypress trees in the lowermost segment have been killed by the upstream movement of saltwater. This condition is the direct result of hydrologic alterations of the watershed that have reduced the volume of freshwater to the River. The Loxahatchee River Preservation Initiative (LRPI) was formed in 2000 with the single purpose of seeking out funding assistance for projects that would improve and protect the natural resources within the River and its watershed. Local partners, which are required to contribute at least a 50 percent cost match, include Martin and Palm Beach counties, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Jonathan Dickinson State Park), the Town of Jupiter, Loxahatchee River District, South Indian River Water Control District and the Jupiter Inlet District. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS continued funding of those projects identified through the Loxahatchee River Preservation Initiative; a partnership of governmental agencies brought together for the common goal of the restoration and enhancement of the Loxahatchee River. The Loxahatchee River Preservation Initiative (LRPI) is the outgrowth of a watershed management effort started by the FDEP in The FY 16 requested appropriation and project list are currently in development, and when the request is finalized this policy statement will be updated. BENEFIT Over the past 50 years, four miles of cypress swamp have been lost within the Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River due to saltwater intrusion resulting from diminished freshwater flow during the dry season. Wetlands within the watershed have been drained for development, which has allowed the expansion of invasive exotic vegetation within remaining wetlands. Additionally, the River has been negatively influenced by pollution entering waterways via point and non-point sources. Proposed projects will help reduce those point and non-point pollution sources, create and restore wetlands, recharge the groundwater within the watershed and help increase freshwater flow to the River during the dry season. FOR MORE INFORMATION Deborah Drum, Ecosystems Restoration and Management Manager, , ddrum@martin.fl.us of 83

49 FEDERAL AND STATE 16 COUNTY ECOSYSTEM SUMMIT LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES BACKGROUND The County Coalition is a multiple County based advisory group organized primarily for the purpose of providing the general public, the South Florida Water Management District, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Legislature, various groups and committees with a body which will present a variety of issues dealing with the health and welfare of the lakes, estuaries, and riverine systems consisting of Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Estuaries, the Lake Worth Lagoon, and all of the bodies of water connected thereto. For the past three years, the County Coalition has hosted the 16 County Ecosystem Summit (the 16 counties which comprise the South Florida Water Management District), during which representatives from each of the 16 counties gather to discuss and adopt shared legislative priorities associated with the health and welfare of the ecosystem. The 16 County Summit represented over 8 million residents of Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Osceola, Glades, Polk, Highlands, Lee, Hendry, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Orange Counties. NOTE- The next 16 County Ecosystem Summit will be held on September 18, 2015 and this document will be updated to reflect the priorities adopted by the Coalition. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS the legislative priorities of the 16 counties: #1 Herbert Hoover Dike (HHD) - FEDERAL: Increase annual appropriation or rehabilitation of the HHD to accelerate project completion #2 Kissimmee River Restoration - FEDERAL AND STATE: Continued appropriations to complete restoration Other important priorities: FEDERAL AND STATE: Funding necessary to complete St. Lucie C-44 reservoirs/sta complex and the entire Indian River Lagoon-South project including the C-23, C-24 and C-25 projects FEDERAL AND STATE: Funding necessary to complete the C-43 project FEDERAL: An updated Water Resources and Reform Development Act every two years to include authorization of crucial ecosystem restoration projects STATE: Protect local fertilizer ordinances STATE: Protect local wetland protection ordinances, oppose any preemption to regulations, particularly in water control districts created and operating pursuant to chapter 298, Florida State Statutes STATE: Support the recommendations of the Senate Select Committee on Indian River Lagoon and Lake Okeechobee Basin BENEFIT The 16 counties are represented by 12 Congressional members in the United States House of Representatives as well as by Senator Bill Nelson and Senator Marco Rubio. A unified voice amongst the counties assists all in our advocacy efforts for the region. FOR MORE INFORMATION Deborah Drum, Ecosystems Restoration and Management Manager, , ddrum@martin.fl.us Kate Parmelee, Intergovernmental & Grants Coordinator, , kparmele@martin.fl.us of 83

50 THE FLORIDA RECREATION DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (FRDAP) BACKGROUND The Florida Department of Environmental Protection administers the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP). This program is a competitive grant program that provides financial assistance through grants to local governments for the acquisition and development of land for public outdoor recreation purposes. This grant program has two funding thresholds, the Large Project Fund provides grants of up to $200,000, and the Small Project Fund provides grants of up to $50,000. In FY 2015/16 the Legislature approved $5,491,500 Funds in funding for all of the Small Development Projects on the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program Combined Applicant Priority List. In 2014/2015 the state approved $2,479,820 in funding with proviso language that all the money was to fund municipal projects of $50,000 or less. In 2013/2014 the state provided only $642,000 in funding and FRDAP was not funded during the 2012 Legislative Session. For FY , total statewide funding for FRDAP was $300,000 with only two applications funded statewide. In FY , funding was $24 million and funded 212 projects in 54 counties/cities. Martin County submitted the following two applications for consideration by the FRDAP program this year: Improvements at Phipps Park totaling $200,000 (with a $200,000 match) Improvements at Stuart Beach totaling $68,500 (with a $200,000 match) REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS restoring FRDAP funding to levels that fund at least the top 20 projects in the Large Project Development list. BENEFITS The FRDAP Program leverages state dollars with local dollars and invests in lands and development that will provide a legacy for years to come, and assure Floridians have access to recreation proven to alleviate increasing health care costs. The Florida Sports Foundation recently released findings of their research conducted through the Haas Center, which documented in FY 11, Florida s 67 counties and 411 municipalities spent over $2.6 billion on improvements to recreational infrastructure. These types of improvements could be funded through FRDAP, and would allow these areas and facilities to further stimulate economic activity locally and statewide. FOR MORE INFORMATION Kevin Abbate, Parks & Recreation Director, , kabbate@martin.fl.us of 83

51 STATE SUPPORT FOR A STATEWIDE BAN ON HORIZONTAL OIL DRILLING AND HYDRAULIC FRACTURING BACKGROUND Hydraulic fracturing is the process of pumping a fluid into or under the surface of the ground in order to create fractures in existing rock for the purpose of producing or recovering oil or gas. Hydraulic fracturing, also known as well stimulation, may involve the use of hundreds of chemicals, some of which are known to be carcinogenic or could otherwise be harmful to human beings. Exposure to the chemicals used in well stimulation treatments may pose a widespread and significant risk to public health and safety and the environment. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the state's surface and ground water resources are intimately connected and support drinking water supplies, agriculture, industry, wildlife habitat and a thriving recreation based economy. The oil and gas industry is not required by federal law to publicly disclose chemical formulas of well stimulation and fracturing fluids so that this information is publicly unavailable for health and safety purposes. Hydraulic fracturing may involve the use of substantial amount of freshwater at a time when many Florida local governments are struggling with the impacts that water scarcity may have in the state in the near future. Hydraulic fracturing poses potential risks for contaminating the Floridan Aquifer, the source of drinking water for nearly 10 million Floridians. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS a statewide ban on horizontal oil drilling, hydraulic fracturing, acid fracturing and well stimulation performed for the purposes of exploration and production of oil and natural gas in the State of Florida. BENEFIT The wise stewardship of our natural resources involves protection of Florida s water supplies and water resources for generations to come. Protection of Florida's water supplies and resources is better accomplished by prevention of contamination and environmental degradation, rather than attempting to clean up contamination and restoring degraded environments after the fact. The prohibition of such practices will help protect the public health, safety and welfare of the state. FOR MORE INFORMATION Dianne Hughes, Senior Ecosystem Specialist Ecosystems Restoration and Management, dhughes@martin.fl.us, The Martin County Board of County Commissioners does hereby support a statewide ban on the use of horizontal oil drilling, of 83

52 SOUTHEAST FLORIDA COASTAL OCEAN TASK FORCE - CORAL REEF INITIATIVE BACKGROUND The US Coral Reef Task Force was established through an executive order issued in The Task Force, with the State of Florida, convened a group of marine resource professionals, scientists, non-profit organizations, and agency representatives to form the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI),focusing efforts on the northern section of the Florida Reef Tract., SEFCRI s mission is to : "to develop and support the implementation of an effective strategy to preserve and protect southeast Florida's coral reefs and associated reef resources, emphasizing the balance between resource use and protection, in cooperation with all interested parties. "The group has worked collaboratively to gather detailed information on the location, health, function, and threats to the natural coral reefs that extend from the northern border of Biscayne National Park in Miami-Dade County to the St. Lucie Inlet in Martin County. Recently, the SEFCRI has facilitated the Our Florida Reefs (OFR) program, a community planning process for southeast Florida s coral reefs that is designed to use public involvement to generate grassroots recommendations regarding the future management strategies for these reefs. The Southeast Florida Intergovernmental Coastal Oceans Task Force (COTF) was convened to review management strategies and offer political and agency assistance in the implementation of certain management actions. The COTF unanimously approved a set of recommendations, and the OFR will finalize their recommendations in early REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS: 1) The identification of effective management options to ensure a future of healthy coral reefs in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin counties 2) State funding to implement recommendations from the OFR and COTF processes. BENEFIT Coral reefs worldwide face many global and local threats. Atlantic and Caribbean reefs are considered some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world, and they are declining at alarming rates. This includes the coral reefs that stretch from the Dry Tortugas in Monroe County to the St. Lucie Inlet in Martin County, called the Florida Reef Tract. The mainland southeast Florida region, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin counties, borders the only portion of the reef tract that is not part of any management plan. SEFCRI was created to focus on this area specifically because of its coral reefs, which were largely undocumented with little scientific data, are extensive and close to shore, exist by intensely urbanized areas, are economically and ecologically valuable, and lacked coordinated management. Socioeconomic studies in the SEFCRI region were conducted in and showed that reefs within the region generate $3.9B in sales annually. These reefs support important and protected species including many species of corals, tropical and game fish, along with leatherback, green and loggerhead sea turtles. The reefs also reduce wave energy and reduce coastal erosion. FOR MORE INFORMATION Kathy FitzPatrick, Coastal Engineer, (772) , kfitzpat@martin.fl.us of 83

53 ADDITIONAL NATURAL RESOURCES/ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE LEGISLATIVE ISSUES The BCC also endorses the following legislative position statements/requests the following to support our natural resources and environmental infrastructure: Comprehensive Water Policy: The BCC supports protection of our waterways, water supply and local regulatory authority in any proposed water policies/legislation. Fertilizer Preemption: The BCC opposes preemption of county authority to regulate the use and application of fertilizer. The BCC supports enhanced statewide promotion of the Florida Green Industries Best Management Practices as a basic level of water quality protection, with more stringent protection available for specific water bodies in need. The BCC further supports legislation that would allow counties to develop regional approaches to fertilizer, nutrients, and other water quality issues that take into account particular local concerns relating to geology and hydrology. Statewide Stormwater Treatment Rule: The BCC urges the state to re-initiate its efforts in the development of a statewide stormwater rule. The goal of this rule is to ensure that post-development peak discharges rates, volumes, recharge and pollutant loadings are less than or equal to the pre-development rates, volumes and loadings. Alternative Wetland Hybrid Treatment Technology Projects: Support state appropriations request for additional projects and operations and maintenance expenses utilizing innovative treatment technologies, which include a combination of chemical and wetland treatment. Central Everglades Planning Project: Support the Central Everglades Planning Project, which is a first increment of full Everglades restoration and will deliver 200,000 acre-feet of new water from Lake Okeechobee to the central Everglades annually. Additional increments are needed to create 10,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) of discharge capacity from the Lake, and a total of 2 million acre feet of storage in the Lake Okeechobee watershed. Pal-Mar Land Acquisition: Support the additional acquisition of land in the Pal-Mar Water Control District for conservation and water quality treatment in the headwaters of the Loxahatchee River watershed. FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute s Indian River Lagoon Research Funding: Support funding for FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute s Indian River Lagoon Observatory Program and Aquaculture and Stock Enhancement Program. Monitoring: Support state funding for the Ocean Research & Conversation Association Kilroy project and Florida Atlantic University s Land Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) Network, in order to gather needed data to better understand and track the health of our waterways. Lionfish Eradication: Support legislation that would help fund the eradication of lionfish that impact the Indian River Lagoon. Petroleum Storage Tank Compliance Verification Program: The BCC encourages the legislature to continue supporting the Petroleum Storage Tank Compliance Verification Program at the local program level and maintain the current $5,900,000 budget level resulting in approximately 55 percent of the facilities being inspected annually. Preferably, restore funding to the FY level of $10,000,000 and this will result in 100 percent of the facilities being inspected annually of 83

54 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES - ENVIRONMENT/NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY STATEMENTS TO BE UPDATED FOLLOWING FAC POLICY CONFERENCE AUGUST 24-26, of 83

55 GROWTH MANAGEMENT & AGRICULTURE INTRODUCTION The following diverse legislative issues reflect other priorities of importance to Martin County, including the high priority of ensuring continuation of the strong protections outlined in Martin County s Comprehensive Growth Management Plan, as well as the ability to retain home rule authority. In addition, this section includes policy statements adopted by FAC concerning growth management and agriculture of 83

56 STATE PROTECT THE MARTIN COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN BACKGROUND In 1982, Martin County adopted its first Comprehensive Plan in accordance with the Local Government Comprehensive Planning Act of As the State of Florida refined its requirements for local government planning, the County adopted its Comprehensive Growth Management Plan in This action updated the 1982 Plan in accordance with the 1985 Growth Management Act via Ordinance 373. Martin County s Comprehensive Growth Management Plan implements and strengthens the County s comprehensive planning process. The purpose of its planning is to protect natural and manmade resources and maintain, through orderly growth and development, the character, stability and quality of life for present and future Martin County residents. The Pillars of the Plan have protected and preserved Martin County and reflect long standing community values. They include: Four Story Height Limit (predates 1982 Plan) Urban Service District (1982 Plan) Wetlands Protection (1982 Plan) Uplands Protection (1990 Plan) Concurrency and Capital Improvement Program (1990 Plan) Land Use and Zoning (1982 Plan) These pillars represent the core values of Martin County residents. It is a green sustainable community that puts its money (as previously demonstrated on page 7) where its heart is: protecting its fragile environment. Our Plan is the guiding document for the County and its residents. REQUEST The BCC OPPOSES efforts to subvert local control of land use matters counterproductive to the principals of home rule enshrined in Article VIII, Section 1(f) and 1(g) of the Florida Constitution (1968), and in section , Florida Statutes. The revisions to the Community Planning Act of 2011 were intended to strengthen the local government s ability to address its local issues through its Comprehensive Plan. The BCC requests the state respect home rule and SUPPORT Martin County s ability to retain its unique comprehensive plan and environmental regulations. BENEFIT The Martin County Comprehensive Plan has been recognized as a plan that provides strict environmental protection, contains growth within urban service districts, promotes fiscal conservancy and promotes a human scale of development, of immeasurable benefit to our community s quality of life. It is a model for other areas of the State and the country that want to retain its quality of life. FOR MORE INFORMATION Nicki van Vonno, AICP, Growth Management Director, , nikkiv@martin.fl.us of 83

57 STATE OPPOSE PREEMPTIONS TO THE REGULATION OF WETLANDS BACKGROUND Legislation proposed (but ultimately defeated) during the 2013 legislative session would have impeded Martin County s home rule authority over the regulation of wetlands. Specifically, the legislation proposed that any independent water control district created before July 1, 2013, and operating pursuant to chapter 298 for which a valid environmental resource permit has been issued pursuant to this part or a federal wetlands permit authorized under s of the federal Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. s. 1344, has been issued, is exempt from further wetlands regulations imposed pursuant to chapters 125, 163, and 166. Water control districts operating in Martin County pursuant to Chapter 298 and impacted by this previously proposed change included the Hobe St. Lucie Conservancy District; Troup-Indiantown Water Control District and the Pal-Mar Water Control District in Martin County, encompassing thousands of acres of environmentally sensitive land. For example, the Pal-Mar Water Control District was created by Special Act as a 298 Special District in the 1960 s and is located in both Palm Beach and Martin Counties encompassing approximately 23,000 acres. A majority of the lands within the District are in public ownership and no one currently resides within the boundaries. This legislation would have preempted wetlands regulations in Pal-Mar and other water control districts and allow the Special district wide latitude. This change could have resurrected the development potential of the Pal-Mar area and other districts. Regarding Pal-Mar, both Palm Beach and Martin Counties have long maintained that this area is not developable under the land use and zoning regulations and much of the land is in public ownership. Additional legislation impacting special districts was defeated in It is possible that similar requests to the Legislature may be made in 2016 session regarding special districts, and the potential for additional restrictions on the ability of local governments to regulate wetlands exists. REQUEST The BCC OPPOSES any preemption to the BCC s wetland regulations. BENEFIT Martin County strongly advocates retaining home rule and its strict wetland regulations. FOR MORE INFORMATION Deborah Drum, Manager, Ecosystem Restoration and Management, , ddrum@martin.fl.us Shawn McCarthy, Senior Planner, Martin County Growth Management, , smccarth@martin.fl.us of 83

58 ADDITIONAL GROWTH MANAGEMENT AND AGRICULTURE ISSUES The BCC endorses the following position statements on legislative issues: Utility Certification: Support legislation that requires the Public Service Commission to abide by local county Comprehensive Plans in determining whether to grant a certificate to a private utility. Oppose any legislation that amends the PSC statute to authorize the PSC to disregard a demonstration of need or not consider a County s comprehensive plan, in order to preserve home rule and the Martin County Comprehensive Plan. The FAC included this policy statement as a new policy statement in its program this year. Sustainable Agriculture: Monitor state and federal legislation regulating Small Farms, Farm to Institution programs, and food safety that will negatively impact direct market and green market producers. Water Farming: Support funding for water farming projects that would store water and prevent harmful runoff from flowing into area waterways. FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES GROWTH MANAGEMENT AND AGRICULTURE POLICY STATEMENTS TO BE UPDATED FOLLOWING FAC POLICY CONFERENCE AUGUST 24-26, of 83

59 INFRASTRUCTURE INTRODUCTION Much of the strength and vitality of local and state economies are built in part upon the foundation of infrastructure and services provided by county government. The following legislative priorities have been selected to advance Martin County s priorities concerning infrastructure of 83

60 FEDERAL AND STATE ST. LUCIE INLET FEDERAL NAVIGATION PROJECT BACKGROUND Congress approved the St. Lucie, Florida Federal Navigation Project by resolution in May The authorization contains key structural components along with ongoing maintenance of the federal channel. The Impoundment Basin, completed in 2002, traps sediments entering the inlet before they can impact the navigation channel. The North Jetty Rehab, completed in 2009 increased the jetty height, shielding the navigation channel from heavy seas, and better distributing sand deposition throughout the impoundment basin. The St. Lucie Inlet Management Plan (Final Draft) requires that certain volumes of sand be placed on adjacent eroding beaches to mitigate for impacts resulting from the existence of the Inlet. As sand accumulates in the Inlet, it fills the impoundment basin and, if not maintained in a timely manner, eventually begins to spill into the navigation channel making the St. Lucie Inlet increasingly difficult to navigate. Shallow conditions generate dangerous currents and waves. While in the past, the St. Lucie Inlet has received federal funding as a special appropriation in the federal budget, the move away from directing funds to specific local projects has made securing federal funding for the maintenance of the Inlet more challenging. STATUS The main capital improvement elements of the St. Lucie Inlet project have been completed. Ongoing maintenance is generally needed every 3-4 years, with sand removed from the Inlet ultimately being placed on the beaches to the north and south. The St. Lucie Inlet was dredged by Martin County using state and local funds in early 2012 and it was dredged in late 2013 through early 2014 with a combination of federal, state and local funds in order to return the Inlet to pre-hurricane Sandy conditions. A full maintenance dredging project will likely be required again in FY New maintenance dredging design options to reduce the cost of Regional Sediment Management are being explored with the Jacksonville District. BENEFIT The Inlet is important to our community because it provides critical access between our inland docks, piers and waterways and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as facilitating Gulf to Atlantic transit through Lake Okeechobee. Furthermore, the Inlet provides the following benefits: Safety/Port of Refuge: The St. Lucie Inlet provides access to protected waters. Access to such areas is of prime importance to oceangoing vessels, especially in times of severe storms and hurricanes. This became extremely important during past hurricane seasons. Boaters will also continue to try to navigate the Inlet even after the Coast Guard has declared it unsafe for navigation. Economy, Recreation & Tourism: Our waterways provide $362 million in annual sales, $123 million in personal income and $588 million in property values. The marine industry accounts for one in ten jobs in Martin County the Inlet is vital to those who rely on it for their livelihood. A safe, navigable Inlet and the benefit to beaches down drift from bypassed sand increases economic value of commercial and recreational boating and provides invaluable recreational opportunities to residents and visitors. Environment: The Inlet serves an important environmental function, flushing water discharged from Lake Okeechobee via the St. Lucie Canal into the Atlantic Ocean. Shoaling of the Inlet, coupled with inevitable Lake releases could harm the estuary we are working so hard to protect of 83

61 REQUESTS The BCC SUPPORTS and requests: 1) Funds for construction and monitoring (reimbursement for 2014 dredging) totaling $1,021,578, funds for bypassing within the Town of Jupiter Island (reimbursement for 2016 bypassing) totaling $4,456,250, dredging of the St. Lucie Inlet impoundment basin and navigation channel, replacing material taken in the 2016 project totaling $4,312,500 and funds for permit required monitoring totaling $ 862,500. The BCC supports the passage of sand to the north and south. 2) State legislation supporting modifications to existing laws governing local discretionary revenue sources to provide greater flexibility and more efficient administration and management. 3) Full funding of the Beach program or establishment of a separate inlet funding source. Year Proposed Method Description Total Estimated Cost Federal Cost Share State Cost Share Local Cost Share 2014 Reimb 2015/ 2016 Reimb 2016/ 2017 REIMBURSEMENT Construction remaining from 2014/2015 REIMBURSEMENT Monitoring HSNWR Year 2 REIMBURSEMENT Winter 2016 Bypass South Construction - Offshore Borrow Area B Monitoring BTB year 1 HSNWR year 3 Monitoring BTB year 1 Dredging, CEI services, permit required actions Physical and biological monitoring, condition updates, 1,021,578 1,021,578 reports 575, , ,750 Winter 2016 Construction placement within Town Permit, Design, P&S, obtain NTP and construct May 5,941,667 4,456,250 1,485, ,750,000 4,312,500 1,437,500 Physical and biological monitoring, condition updates, reports 575, , ,750 Physical and biological monitoring, condition updates, reports 300, ,000 75,000 Total 14,163,245 10,877,828 3,285,417 FOR MORE INFORMATION Kathy Fitzpatrick, Coastal Engineer, , kfitzpat@martin.fl.us of 83

62 STATE SMALL COUNTY DREDGING PROGRAM BACKGROUND Florida Statute required the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council to establish and manage a program to fund dredging projects in counties having a population fewer than 300,000 residents. The resulting program, the Small County Dredging Program, has been inactive due to lack of funding. During the 2013 Legislative Session, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recommended in their transportation bill that FDOT establish and manage a new program to fund dredging projects in counties having a population of fewer than 300,000. The transportation bill failed last legislative session, and as a result this change did not take place. Similar changes have been recommended for consideration during the 2014 legislative session. FDOT s potential administration of the program would provide an opportunity to potentially broaden the eligibility criteria for the funding of dredging in shallow draft commercial inlets, such as the St. Lucie Federal Navigation Inlet. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS changes to the statute that would allow FDOT to administer the Small County Dredging program identified in Florida Statute to fund dredging projects in counties having a population of fewer than 300,000; to include shallow draft commercial inlets in the options for approved dredging projects and allow the BCC to be the direct grant recipient of the program. BENEFIT This potential change would broaden the currently limited funding options available for the funding of dredging of shallow draft commercial inlets. FOR MORE INFORMATION Beth Beltran, MPO Administrator, , bbeltran@martin.fl.us of 83

63 FEDERAL AND STATE MARTIN COUNTY SHORE PROTECTION PROJECT BACKGROUND This project was authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of Its purpose is to provide a protective beach berm and storm dune approximately 3.75 miles long, and for periodic nourishment of the restored beach and adjacent shoreline as required. It is notable that property on the barrier islands of Martin County represents almost 20 percent of total taxable property value in the County. CURRENT STATUS Martin County completed nourishment of approximately 4.2 miles of shoreline in April 2013 in partnership with the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection to repair damages sustained during Hurricane Sandy. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS and requests state funds for monitoring totaling $342,300, while providing a local match of $357,700. BENEFIT Project benefits include: storm damage reduction for 3.75 miles of barrier island; prevention of land loss; valuable recreational benefits and protection of a vital evacuation route for residents. FOR MORE INFORMATION Kathy FitzPatrick, Coastal Engineer, , kfitzpat@martin.fl.us of 83

64 FEDERAL AND STATE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM AND BRITT ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM BACKGROUND The need to repair and replace aging infrastructure and associated backlog continues to grow at the national and state level, as well as locally in Martin County. One area of particular need in Martin County concerns bridge replacement. The average life expectancy of a bridge is 50 years and nearly one-quarter of Martin County s bridges have exceeded that age. Martin County maintains 50 fixed bridges, the Hobe Sound Bascule Bridge and 26 pedestrian bridges. Currently, there is a $4.6 million backlog for bridge rehabilitation. The Britt Road Bridge Replacement project replaces a 50' long bridge on Britt Rd. over Britt Creek. The scope of work includes Engineering Design, Permitting and Construction. The existing Britt Road Bridge has a reduced load rating and has some functionally obsolete elements. The existing Britt Road Bridge was initially constructed in 1945 and has exceeded the useful life span for the structure. The Britt Road Bridge provides access to a section of Martin County that is surrounded by Britt Creek, Howard Creek and the St. Lucie River, and Britt Road is the only access for residences in this area. The proposed bridge will have a pile supported foundation with pre-cast concrete slab units. The bridge will be removed and replaced in phases to provide single lane vehicular access to residences on the north side of Britt Creek during construction. BENEFIT Lack of funds is preventing needed bridge replacement, essential for public safety and our economy. REQUEST The BCC SUPPORTS increased funding via the Florida Department of Transportation for county bridge repairs in order to enable these critical upgrades to aging infrastructure. The BCC SUPPORTS an appropriations request of $1.5 million with a $233,000 local match. FOR MORE INFORMATION Terry Rauth, Deputy County Engineer, , trauth@martin.fl.us of 83

65 ADDITIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE LEGISLATIVE ISSUES The BCC also endorses the following legislative position statements/requests the following to support our infrastructure: All Aboard Florida: The BCC urges the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration and the State of Florida and its agencies, to require All Aboard Florida to pay for the costs of All Aboard Florida, including improvements to rail crossings and the construction of quiet zones and corridor improvements, and that there shall be no government assistance, in the form of loans, infrastructure or rightof-way at less than market rates, as such support would put the risk of the passenger rail service on the backs of taxpayers. Small County Outreach Program: SUPPORT revisions to statute to modify the definition of small county to increase the population threshold to at least 165,000 per the most recent decennial census. Bathtub Reef Beach and Sailfish Point: In the newly revised Draft Inlet Management plan for St. Lucie Inlet, it was determined that the Inlet impacts the beaches to the north (Bathtub Beach and Sailfish Point s beach) by intercepting 34,000 cy/yr that would have otherwise made it to that coastline. Planned ongoing projects propose to bypass the required sand by using the inlet shoals and Impoundment Basin as a sand source. The BCC supports the continued development and implementation of this project. Beach Renourishment: For many years now, there has been an effort to secure additional funding for beach projects. The $30 million in statute has been there for a very long time and will simply not sustain the program in the future. Currently, the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) and the Office of Economic & Demographic Research (EDR) are examining the ranking criteria and we should expect legislation to address this issue next session. SUPPORT the continuation of a statutory funding source for beach renourishment. SUPPORT a cost-benefit and needs analysis of beach funding and an increase in state funding levels over the current amount of $30 million, which is no longer sufficient to sustain the program. SUPPORT a significant increase in statutory funding levels for beach projects as part of any implementing legislation related to Amendment 1, which passed in the November 2014 general election. SUPPORT the revision of statutory criteria for the annual ranking of beach projects for state cost sharing, specifically, criteria that recognize economic benefits and cost-effectiveness, the reduction in storm damage, and the ability to leverage federal dollars. Amendment 1 dedicates 33 percent of doc stamp revenues toward land acquisition and restoration, resulting in several hundred million dollars being earmarked for projects including beach and shore projects. Beach funding levels should be increased accordingly. Local Discretionary Revenue Flexibility: SUPPORT modifications to existing laws governing local discretionary sales tax revenue sources to provide greater simplification, flexibility and more efficient administration and management. Broadband Infrastructure: Support increased funding and collaborative efforts for broadband infrastructure needs and protect municipal broadband networks. Historic Preservation: Support funding for Historic Preservation. Infrastructure/Construction Funding: Identify and apply for federal funding to improve infrastructure for county facilities of 83

66 Local/State Trail Partnerships: Request the East Coast Greenway be added to State Park Management Plans and assist local governments in the process of constructing sections of the trail in their respective municipalities. Property Insurance: Support legislation to increase accessibility and decrease cost of windstorm and flood insurance. Strategic Intermodal System: Support the change in classification of the Okeechobee Waterway from an emerging Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) to an SIS. FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES INFRASTRUCTURE POLICY STATEMENTS TO BE UPDATED FOLLOWING FAC POLICY CONFERENCE AUGUST 24-26, of 83

67 INTRODUCTION GUIDING PRINCIPLES FINANCE, TAX, ADMINISTRATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVENUE FLEXIBILITY The ad valorem tax is authorized to Florida counties by Article VII, of the Florida Constitution, and implemented by general law. Within limitations, the Constitution authorizes counties to levy up to 10 mills on all taxable property for county purposes. This tax is the primary revenue source for the operation of county government. However, the revenue generated by this tax has not kept pace with the demands and requirements of modern government in a rapidly growing state. As a result, counties have to resort to other tax and non-tax revenue sources to meet their demands. The FAC is dedicated to protecting the integrity and fairness of the ad valorem taxing authority, as well as that of the other locally imposed revenue sources. Also, the FAC encourages the creation or enhancement of alternative public financing mechanisms to meet the ever-increasing demands on county government service delivery. FINANCE & TAXATION The backbone of good government is financial accountability. For public officials to be accountable to taxpayers, the decision to tax should occur at the same level of government where the decision to enact a new program is made. County governments have a responsibility to raise the necessary revenues to finance a wide variety of critical, basic public services. Counties need a revenue base that adequately finances the services and programs required by the state, and the programs and services needed locally. If counties are to succeed in meeting their responsibilities, an adequate and fair local tax policy that is commensurate with the many responsibilities of modern county government must be developed. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Much of the strength and vitality of local and state economies are built upon the foundation of infrastructure and services provided by county government. Furthermore, our economic prosperity rests on the stability of community leadership and the tools that are made available to county officials. Therefore, counties need flexible tools to develop economic strategies that target local strengths, enhance and expand employment opportunities, and maintain adequate infrastructure. While economic development occurs primarily at a local and regional level, it is imperative that the state assists local communities by providing its resources through incentives, marketing and technical assistance. Accordingly, incentives at the state and local level should be based on need and provide for a return on public investments. The following legislative policy statements relate to finance, tax, administration and economic development have been identified to advance Martin County s goals and support a sustainable economy of 83

68 STATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN INDIANTOWN BACKGROUND Legislation passed in the 2011 Legislative Session allowed Martin County to apply and ultimately receive a state enterprise zone designation, which is a specific geographic area targeted for economic revitalization. The Martin County Enterprise Zone, located in Indiantown, was established in January The Florida Enterprise Zone Program offered an assortment of tax incentives to businesses that choose to create employment within an enterprise zone. In January 2014, the Florida Legislature began the Sunset Review process of the Enterprise Zone program. The program will officially sunset on December, 31, Indiantown is limited in accessing other state resources designed for rural areas, such as the Rural Economic Development Initiative, as that state program is limited to rural areas which are incorporated. It is requested that additional assistance be provided to Indiantown in order to achieve a more level playing field of 83

69 REQUEST SUPPORT legislation and appropriations that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the state and local government partnership in economic development through the greater use of targeted strategic investments to induce sustainable economic activity resulting in a consistent positive return on investment in Indiantown. Support Indiantown s designation as a Rural Area of Opportunity. The BCC further requests support from the Martin County State Legislative Delegation to comprehensively assist Indiantown in achieving its economic development goals. BENEFIT With the Census Bureau showing the poverty rate 33 percent higher in the heart of Indiantown compared to other parts of Martin County, there is a need for increased economic activity. FOR MORE INFORMATION Kate Parmelee, Intergovernmental and Grants Coordinator, , kparmele@martin.fl.us STATE TIMER POWERS PARK IMPROVEMENTS BACKGROUND Timer Powers Park covers 37 acres with the scenic Okeechobee waterway bordering the east side of the park. The park has many large oak trees, and is listed as part of the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Timer Powers Park has the only public equestrian arena in Martin County. The arena is available to the public for general usage, and organized horse shows. The equestrian area is made up of two arenas, and an open parking area. Rodeos have been part of Indiantown's culture since 1947 and used to attract 14,000 to the area in the 1960s. After a long absence, the rodeo was brought back and is hosted each year at Timer Powers Park. The frequently sold out Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women s Pro Rodeo Association sanctioned event features bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and more. In addition to the annual event, riding clubs host monthly speed of 83