naturallivingalliance.myfreeforum.org

Pam · Joined: 08 Apr 2007 Posts: 10

> ACTION ALERT
>
> ANTI-RESTORATION RODMAN RESERVOIR STATE RESERVE BILL BEING CONSIDERED BY STATE SENATE COMMITTEE
> A bill designed to prevent restoration of the Ocklawaha River is being considered by members of the Florida House of Representatives (House Bill 427) and by members of the Florida Senate (Senate Bill 1930). The House Committee on Conservation and State Lands has approved the bill.
>
> Chaired by Sen. Burt Saunders, the Environmental Preservation & Conservation Committee is now considering this bill.
>
> The George Kirkpatrick State Reserve Bill (HB 427/SB 1930) would retain the dam and reservoir as permanent structures and require the expenditure of more money than the total cost for breaching the dam and restoring the river.
>
> The cost for breaching Rodman Dam and restoring the Ocklawaha River comes to approximately $14 million. By contrast, this bill to preserve the dam will cost much more. Estimates by the state Department of Environmental Protection for the financial implications of a similar state reserve bill in 2003 found that management would cost over $975,000 for the first year. In addition, the bill would apparently require $10 million in additional land purchases and $3 to $8 million in structural improvements (necessary to maintain the dam and lock on a long-term basis).
>
> We ask that you select a member of the committee to call or email, if possible a senator who represents your district. (The names, phone numbers and email addresses for all members of the committee are listed below.) Tell the legislative aide you speak to that you oppose SB1930 - the George Kirkpatrick State Reserve Bill - and ask that the state senator carefully review the negative financial implications of this bill.
>
> For more information, you can read the "Top 10 Reasons to Restore the Ocklawaha River" at
> http://fladefenders.org/images/Top10ReasonsToRestore.gif
>
> Sen. Burt Saunders
> Saunders.burt.web@flsenate.gov
> 850-487-5124
>
> Sen. Nan Rich
> rich.nan.web@flsenate.gov
> 850-487-5103
>
> Sen. Paula Dockery
> Dockery.paula.web@flasenate.gov
> 850-487-5040
>
> Sen. Don Gaetz
> gaetz.don.web@flasenate.gov
> 850-487-5009
>
> Sen. Dennis Jones
> jones.dennis.web@flasenate.gov
> 850-487-5065
>
> Sen. Charlie Justice
> justice.charlie.web@flsenate.gov
> 850-487-5075
>
>
> Florida Defenders of the Environment, Inc.
> 4424 NW 13th Street, Suite C-8
> Gainesville, FL 32609
> 352-378-8465
> FDE@fladefenders.org
> www.fladefenders.org