Okaloosa County BOCC — March 1, 2016 — Resolution Estuary Program 2 12 16 Approved by Legal

RESOLUTION NO. 16- A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHOCTAWHATCHEE BAY ESTUARY PROGRAM FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT, RESTORATION, AND PROTECTION OF THE CHOCTAWHATCHEE BAY ESTUARY; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, Northwest Florida Estuaries and their associated natural resources provide boating, fishing, hunting, tourism, and other outdoor recreational and economic opportunities for citizens and visitors of Florida; and WHEREAS, mismanagement of Northwest Florida Estuaries may exacerbate flooding and property loss, negatively impact water quality and estuarine habitat, negatively affect the local economy and tourism, and threaten the health, safety and welfare of Florida's citizens and visitors; and WHEREAS, elected officials, local, state and federal government staff, the Nature Conservancy, citizens, academia, and other stakeholders from the Northwest Florida Estuaries have been actively participating in meetings to identify and coordinate estuary management issues and efforts; and WHEREAS, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 15-143 expressing support for the Northwest Florida Estuaries and Watersheds Project that will establish Estuary Programs for the comprehensive management, restoration, and protection of seven Northwest Florida Estuaries, including Perdido, Pensacola, Choctawhatchee, St. Andrew, Apalachicola, Ochlockonee, and St. Marks; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Protection Agency (*EPA”) has received funding to stand up one estuary program; and WHEREAS, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners supports the establishment of an Estuary Program for the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary in order to comprehensively manage and improve water quality, habitat, natural resources, and economic benefits; and WHEREAS, the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary is located both in Walton County and Okaloosa County. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein as if fully set forth. Section 2. The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners hereby expresses its support for the Northwest Florida Estuaries and Watersheds Project that will establish an Estuary Program for the comprehensive management, restoration, and protection of the Choctawhatchee Bay estuary. Section 3. The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners hereby supports working with Walton County in jointly submitting a proposal to the EPA for the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program. Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. DULY ADOPTED this __ day of March, 2016. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA CHARLES K. WINDES, JR., CHAIRMAN ATTEST: J.D. PEACOCK, II Clerk of the Circuit Court By: Deputy Clerk