Polk Commission Approves Florida Forever Funding Resolution; Who’s Next?

Today the Polk County Commission unanimously approved a resolution proposed by Ancient Islands Sierra Club to urge funding of the Florida Forever program by the Florida Legislature.

Below is a copy of the resolution that might be useful as a guide to approaching elected officials where you live.

The time is soon because committee meetings begin in Tallahassee next month in advance of the 2018 session, which will convene in January.

 

WHEREAS, on November 4, 2014, Polk County voters approved an amendment to the Florida Constitution by a margin of 130,345 to 57,583; and

WHEREAS, the intent of the constitutional amendment, which was overwhelmingly approved by the voters of Florida, was to provide funding to finish the work of the Florida Forever program initiated by Governor Jeb Bush to further the work of the Preservation 2000 program begun by Governor Bob Martinez with support from the Florida Legislature; and

WHEREAS, the Florida Forever program has provided benefits to residents of Polk County through the purchase of Colt Creek State Park, and through the appropriation of $7,160,901 from Florida Forever’s Florida Communities Trust program to aid in purchases of conservation easements in land surrounding the Avon Park Air Force Range to protect Florida’s natural heritage and the nation’s defense; and

WHEREAS, the revenue authorized by the amendment would generate an estimated $750 million a year for the Florida Forever program; and

WHEREAS, the Florida Legislature in 2017 appropriated no more than two percent of the revenue authorized for the Florida Forever program and have instead appropriated the funds to other programs within the state budget; and

WHEREAS, some of the top-ranked priorities for acquisition under the Florida Forever program include the Bombing Range Flatwoods in Polk County and Lake Wales Ridge in Polk and adjacent counties; and

WHEREAS, it is important to accelerate purchases while land is still available at prices that make economical use of taxpayer’s funds.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners, Polk County, Florida, respectfully urge the Florida Legislature to appropriate funds for the Florida Forever program as mandated by the voters to complete the important mission of preserving Florida’s natural heritage and water resources for future generations. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage.

DULY ADOPTED this 22nd day of August, 2017

Posted in Group Conservation Issues.