Fort Walton Beach Resolution — 2011-04-Support House Res. 56 — reading text

RESOLUTION 2011- 4 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING HOUSE RESOLUTION 56 THAT ESTABLISHES 80% OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT FINE MONIES COME BACK TO THE IMPACTED GULF STATES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA, THAT: WHEREAS, the BP/ Deepwater Horizon Oil Disaster greatly impacted every state fronting the Gulf of Mexico both environmentally and economically; and WHEREAS, the federal Clean Water Act demands a significant fine be levied against any entity that illegally discharges into a federal waterbody; and WHEREAS, the federal Clean Water Act prescribes that fines go into the federal treasury; and WHEREAS, we fully support that 80% of those fines and fees be dedicated to the states impacted by this disaster to support environmental restoration; and WHEREAS, environmental restoration will enhance the Gulfby: Contributing to a healthy, productive and biologically diverse coastal and marine ecosystem that supports the seafood, recreation, tourism and other critical industries necessary for our constituents who live and work in the area; Provide thousands of new jobs and provide economic opportunities to our communities, particularly disadvantaged and distressed communities; Ensuring a resilient Gulf that is crucial to storm protection, fishing, recreation, seafood and tourism- the cornerstones of the Gulf culture and economy. SECTION 1: The City Council supports House Resolution 56 that established 80% of the Clean Water Act fine monies come back to the impacted Gulf States for environmental restoration. SECTION 2: This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon approval by the City Council. Adopted: - j~ ~ a) riP; / Mike Anderson, Mayor Approved for form and legal sufficiency: Hayward Dykes, City Attorney