The Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2018 (the "2018 Reauthorized Act") was introduced on June 5, 2018, in the United States Congress by Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo as H.R. 5996. The 2018 Reauthorized Act would reauthorize and amend the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, which expired in 2004. This 2018 Reauthorized Act is essential to providing a federal response to coral reef emergencies, treating coral disease like the one on our Southeast Florida reef tract, creating new grants for laboratories and marine studies, and strengthening protections for reefs within national parks and reserves. Our Southeast Florida coral reef tract is a major economic engine, attracting thousands of visitors, creating hundreds of jobs, and generating over $1 million for our economy each year. It is important that we dedicate resources to protecting it, as well as other reefs around the country.
The NACO Annual National Conference will be held July 13, 2018 to July 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tennessee. We urge NACO members to adopt a Resolution supporting the 2018 Reauthorized Act. Martin County Commissioner Doug Smith will submit a proposed Resolution (Exhibit 1) at the NACO Conference calling for passage of the 2018 Reauthorized Act. This Resolution urges NACO to pass Commissioner Smith's proposed Resolution.
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