This item supports the County Commission's Value E, "[e]ncouraging investments in renewable energy, sustainable practices and environmental protection," and County Commission Goal E.2, "[p]roactively lead in the planning, design and construction of projects supporting resilience and climate adaptation, including coordination with other entities to foster resilient design as part of local and regional projects, especially shore protection efforts."
On August 18, 2017, Senator Jack Latvala filed Senate Bill 174 ("SB 174") for consideration during the Florida Legislature's 2018 regular session. SB 174 updates the criteria for ranking and funding beach management, erosion control, and inlet management projects to consider (i) the environmental and economic importance of proposed projects, (ii) the use of regional sand management strategies to conserve sand and reduce project costs, (iii) the use of dune enhancement or restoration to reduce future upland storm damage costs, (iv) the use of environmental habitat enhancements, and (v) the overall readiness of the project. SB 174 also creates a three year work plan to help maximize federal and local funding matches and establishes a dedicated funding source from Amendment 1 revenue in the Land Acquisition Trust Fund.
Passage of SB 174 would support the long-term planning and continued State funding necessary for the success of projects comprising the Broward County Shore Protection Project.
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