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Commission asks chairman to send letters urging fuller Apalachicola Bay restoration funding
Summary
Commissioners voted to send a letter supporting expanded Apalachicola Bay oyster-restoration funding and to circulate it to the county's legislative delegation and House and Senate leadership; staff will email and mail the letter promptly to align with ongoing appropriations negotiations. Vote 5-0.
Franklin County commissioners voted March 4 to ask Chairman Ricky Jones to sign and transmit letters urging state leaders to support larger funding for Apalachicola Bay restoration.
Background: Commissioner Ottice Amison briefed the Board on the Partnership for a Resilient Apalachicola Bay’s advocacy. He said the Governor requested $30 million for bay restoration; the Florida Senate proposal was reported at $15 million and the House proposal was substantially lower. Amison asked the Board to signal county support for the governor’s request and to broaden outreach to include the Senate Appropriations Agriculture, Environment & General Government chair and House leadership.
Board action and rationale: Commissioner Jessica Ward moved and the Board unanimously approved expanding the recipients of the county’s letter to include Senate Appropriations leadership, House leadership and the county’s legislative delegation. Commissioners emphasised the economic and ecological importance of maintaining material and restoration funding for the bay, noting that restoration work is necessary for the local oyster industry and broader coastal economy.
Next steps: Staff said the letter will be distributed by email and followed with mailed copies; the county’s lobbyist will be asked to advise on language that could ensure money in any Department of Agriculture allocations be designated specifically for Apalachicola Bay projects.
