Resolution No. 03-17
RESOLUTION NO.03-17
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
OPPOSING THE CREATION OF A STATE-WIDE WATER
AUTHORITY, PRIVATIZATION OF WATER RIGHTS, AND THE
TRANSPORT OF NORTH FLORIDA WATER RESOURCES TO
CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Florida's aquifers, springs, wetlands and surface waters are among
the most precious resources of this State, and provide immeasurable natural, recreational,
and economic values and benefits for residents; and
WHEREAS, Florida's natural and cultural heritage and identity are vitally linked
to these special waters; and
WHEREAS, North Florida is home to majestic rivers, including the St. Johns
River (an American Heritage River); and
WHEREAS, the Floridan Aquifer underlying Northeast Florida is the primary
source of potable water for the residents of Atlantic Beach and its adjacent service area;
and
WHEREAS, unplanned growth, lack of planning and funding for alternative
water sources, over-allocation and withdrawal of water supplies, and wasteful water use
practices have contributed to water shortages throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, the continued over pumping of the State's springs, surface waters
and aquifers will have disastrous effects in the form of insufficient water supply, water
pollution, injury to ecosystems and wildlife, increased navigational risks to boaters,
reduced access, enjoyment, and value of waterfront properties, risk to properties from
sinkhole formations, loss of public recreational opportunities, harm to shellfish,
industries, fish camps and other water-dependent local businesses; and
WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach wants to ensure that the City's water
supply system has sufficient capacity to serve the needs of the City's service area
population; and
WHEREAS, the City of Atlantic Beach desires to maintain the quality of life
offered by the area's natural water resources.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City Commission of the City
of Atlantic Beach hereby:
Page Two
Resolution No. 03-17
Section 1. opposes the creation of a new state water board or any change
in water resource management that would facilitate privatization of water supplies
and state lands, or the tong distance redistribution of water resources;
Section 2. opposes the transfer of water resources in Northeast Florida to
any location outside the territory of the St. Johns River Water Management
District;
Section 3. opposes the transfer of water resources from Floridan Aquifer
Wells owned by the City of Atlantic Beach to any location outside the City's legal
service area, with the exception of Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach;
Section 4. supports the enforcement of State Water Policy to protect our
water sources by requiring use of "local sources first;"
Section 5. supports the implementation of land use planning and growth
management that is sustainable and takes into account the carrying capacity of the
water supply within each region;
Section 7. The City Manager is hereby directed to broadly distribute
copies of this Resolution to the Governor of Florida, the Florida Legislature, the
Water Management Districts, the Florida Association of Counties, Florida League
of Cities, North Florida Regional Planning Council, and any others having an
interest in the subject matter of this Resolution.
Section 8. This Resolution shall be
Ap oved as to form and correctness:
.,
lan C nsen, Esquire
City orney
ATTEST:
Maureen King
Certified Municipal Clerk
upon adoption.
Mayor