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8 backupPressRelease-The Florida Senate Page1of4 The Florida Senate President Office —Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:Maggie Mickler,(850)487-5 April 29,2015 SENATE APPROVES STATEWIDE WATER AND NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY Tallahassee —The Florida Senate todaypassed House Bill 7003,Environmental Resources,which establishes a comprehensive,statewide policy to protect and restore Florida conservation lands and natural resources.This legislation provide; greater public accessto state-owned lands,addresses the health of Florida's sprin; and increases transparency in allocating funding to water resource development projects. "Florida's environment is unlike any other place in the world,"said Senator Dean "Last year,more than 97 million tourists visited Florida and experienced the natu beauty of our state.This important legislation protects and restores our water and natural resources while outlining a long-term plan to ensure Florida's unique springs,trail systems,state-owned lands,beaches,and everglades are preserved f future Floridians and visitors." "I am thankful for the leadership of Senator Dean,Senator Simmons,Senator Simpson,Senator Hays,and Senator Montford who have invested countless hour: vetting environmental policies tocraft legislation that will preserve and protect Florida's natural resources,"said President Andy Gardiner (R-Orlando)."Throug their tireless efforts,they fully examined the issue and worked to include components of the House and Senate's water and natural resource policies into th good piece of legislation.This billisakey component of the Work Plan 2015 joint agenda and I am pleased to pass itoff the Senate floor today." http://www.flsenate.gov/Media/PressRelease/Show/2235 7/1/2015 Press Release -The Florida Senate Page 2 of 4 Public Access to Public Lands Thebill establishes a database,website,and mobile app to raise awareness about location,entry points,and activities allowed on state owned conservation land to increase recreational use and access by Florida taxpayers.Eventually,locally and federally owned lands willbe added to the database. Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail Network (Sun Trail) The bill creates the Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail Network (SUN Trail), and includes network projects in the Department of Transportation's work progrc to ensure proper planning and coordination fora statewide network of connected bicycle and pedestrian trails that will increase tourism and recreational and economic opportunities. Water Resources Advisory Council Thebill creates a Water Resource Advisory Council to prioritize recommendation tothe Legislature regarding projects designed to protect and improve water resources.Projects reviewed by the Council must meet the criteria established by Amendment 1 and beeligiblefor funding out ofthe Land Acquisition Trust Fund Inthe past,water projects were often proposed for state funding by individual members as part ofthe budget process.The Council's recommendations will help guide the Legislature's budget decisions,ensuring taxpayer dollars are allocated t projects that protect our precious environmental resources. Outstanding Florida Springs HB7003 defines "Outstanding Florida Spring"asall historic first magnitude springs,plus DeLeon,Peacock,Poe,Rock,Wekiwa,and Gemini springs,requires DEP,in consultation with theWMDs,to identify areas of these springsheds that a http://www.flsenate.gov/Media/PressRelease/Show/2235 7/1/2015 Press Release -The Florida Senate Page 3 of 4 vulnerable to pollution,and prohibits certain activities within these areas.The bil" also allows for use of emergency rulemaking powers to set the minimum flow anc minimum levels for Outstanding Florida Springs at the points at which further withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources.Foran Outstanding Florida Spring that is below or is projected within 20 years tofall bel the minimum flow or level,the bill requires expeditious adoption of a recovery oi prevention strategy.Thebillalso uses BMAPsto identify and develop a remediati plan for areas where septic systems contribute at least 20 percent nonpoint source nutrient pollution to an Outstanding Florida Spring,allows for remediation fundi based on legislative appropriation,and creates a program funding pilot projects tl test the effectiveness of innovative technology and remediation techniques design to reduce nutrient pollution or restore flowsto springs. Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Sincethe2005 enactment ofthe requirement to implement Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs)under the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program,plans have been implemented for the Lake Okeechobee watershed,the Caloosahatchee Estuary Basin,and the St.Lucie River Estuary and Basin.With th< implementation of these BMAPs,the district rules,which were adopted inthe 198 and are not as protective as the BMAPs,have become outdated and do not reflect the current requirements for landowners.Thebillclarifies that BMAPs regulate water quality restoration efforts,specifically requiring verification of implementation ofeffectivebest management practices,water monitoring for pollutants,5-year milestones for water quality evaluation,anda plan for implementing projects designed toachievethetotal maximum daily load within 1 years. Water Conservation and Water Supply As our state continues to grow and demographic and economic trends shift, corresponding shifts are taking placein water demand and usage.Domestic consumption has displaced agriculture as Florida's biggest water user,and competition for water resources among agricultural,domestic,and industrial usei http://www.flsenate.gov/Media/PressRelease/Show/2235 7/1/2015 Press Release -The Florida Senate Page 4 of 4 isexpectedtoincrease.Inresponse,thebillseeksto encourage development and1 of alternative water supply resources by:creating pilot programs for alternative water supply,water conservation,and pollution reduction projects;codifying intc law the Central Florida Water Initiative;closely monitoring consumptive use permitswhileincentivizing implementation of water conservation measures;and promoting development of alternative water supply sources,public-private partnerships for water storage,groundwater recharge,water supply,and water production. Outlined in their Work Plan 2015 agenda,establishing a statewide strategy forwa and natural resources isa joint priority of President Gardiner and House Speaker Steve Crisafulli (R-Merritt Island).For more information,please visit the Florida Senate online. ### Disclaimer:The information on this system is unverified.The journals or printed bills of the respective chamb» should be consulted for official purposes. Copyright ©2000-2015 State of Florida. http://www.flsenate.gov/Media/PressRelease/Show/2235 7/1/2015