Resolution 2003-373
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RESOLUTION NO. 2003-l1L
RESOLUTION OF THE COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS SUPPORTING THE CONTINUED $30 MILLION
IN STATE FUNDING ANNUALLY FOR BEACH MANAGEMENT
AND OPPOSING LEGISLATION THA T ALTERS THE ALLOCATION
OF DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAX REVENUES TO THE
ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT AND RESTORATION TRUST FUND.
WHEREAS, beaches are Florida's most recognized and productive economic and
environmental asset; and
WHEREAS, sandy beaches. including those enhanced by beach restoration and
nourishment, are Florida's largest playground, public park, and habitat for endangered species; and
WHEREAS, Florida had approximately 75.6 million visitors in 2002, with beaches being its
number one tourist attraction; and
WHEREAS. according to statistics from the year 2000, Florida's economy benefits from
$21.9 billion in direct spending and $19.7 billion in indirect spending by beach-going tourists; and
WHEREAS, beaches contribute over $1 billion in tourist-related sales tax to state revenues
annually; and
WHEREAS, 442,000 jobs are created by beach-related tourism, with an $8 billion payroll
resulting from additional spending related to Florida's beaches; and
WHEREAS, over half of Florida's 825 miles of sandy beaches are experiencing erosion,
with 333 miles designated by the Department of Environmental Protection as critically-eroded; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Legislature, pursuant to Section 161.088 F.S., has declared beach
erosion to be a serious threat to the economic and general welfare of the state and its residents; and
has further declared it to be a necessary governmental responsibility to preserve Florida's beaches
and make provision for beach nourishment projects. and
WHEREAS, the Florida Legislature. in 1998, pursuant to s. 161.091, and s. 201.15 (11),
unanimously reaffirmed its commitment to our beaches by providing that designated funding of $30
million annually shall be deposited in the Ecosystem Management and Restoration Trust Fund, and
that documentary stamp tax revenues shalllx: the source of that funding; and
WHEREAS, this program represents a cost-effective intergovernmental partnership which
leverages a dollar for dollar local government match, and up to 65% of the total project cost from
federal sources; and
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WHEREAS, to provide anything less than the $30 million in state funding for FY 04-05 will
result in federal and state matching beach dollars being diverted to other uses, and will send a
message to intergovernmental partners that the Slate of Florida is backing away from its
commitment to healthy beaches for future generations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, that: Collier County, Florida strongly
urges the Florida Legislature to fully fund the Department of Environmental Protection's beach
erosion control project priority list for FY 04-05 for $30 million as provided for in Chapters 161 and
201, Florida Statutes, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, respectfully requests that the 2004 Florida Legislature oppose
any legislative efforts to amend existing law which allocates $30 million annually in certain
documentary stamp tax revenues to the Ecosystem Management and Restoration Trust Fund for
purposes of beach preservation and repair.
This Resolution adopted this ~ day of October, 2003 after motion, second and
majority vote favoring same.
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
By :lfJ1--~
TOM HENNING. Chairman
Approved as to form and
legal sufficiency:
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lit:;.. Asht'on
Assistant County Attorney