For Immediate Release

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Contact
Sarah Bascom, sarah@bascomllc.com, 850.294.6636
Kelsey Swithers, kelsey@bascomllc.com, 941.400.8183

Local Governments & Entities Recognize House State Affairs Committee

for Supporting HB 447
Florida Keys Stewardship Act Invests in Florida Keys Most Significant Environmental Needs
Monroe County, Fla. Local governments and entities in Monroe County, Fla., today recognized the
House State Affairs Committee for supporting House Bill 447, sponsored by Representative Holly
Raschein (R-Key Largo). Also known as the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, HB 447 will invest $25
million each year for 10 years into water quality, restoration and protection; water supply protection; and
land for critical habitat protection, public safety in case of an evacuation, property rights and military
base protection.
The companion bill, Senate Bill 770, which is sponsored by Senators Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby) and
Anitere Flores (R-Miami), has passed all Senate committee stops and is waiting to be heard on the
Senate floor.
We are extremely grateful that the House State Affairs Committee has chosen to advance legislation
that will protect the Florida Keys, said Mayor Heather Carruthers of Monroe County. The abundance
of economic and natural resources the Florida Keys has to offer are vast. Advancing this vital legislation
ensures that these important resources will be preserved for years to come.
The Florida Keys Stewardship Act is an important investment whose value cannot be understated, said
Mayor Mark Senmartin of the City of Marathon. By enacting this legislation, we will be able to form a
strong and worthwhile partnership between the Keys and the state, together protecting its environment
and allowing the Keys three top industries to continue to generate revenue for the State of Florida.
As our home, the Council of Islamorada, Village of Islands, cares greatly about the entire string of
islands that make up the Florida Keys, said Mayor Deb Gillis of Islamorada. Making investments in
water quality and water supply restoration and protection are crucial for preserving the Keys one-of-akind environment. We support legislation that protects such an important part of Florida and are
extremely thankful to the House State Affairs Committee for recognizing its value.
The Florida Keys Stewardship Act truly covers all bases when it comes to protecting and preserving
our Florida Keys, and we applaud the members of the House State Affairs Committee for taking positive
action on this legislation today, said Mayor Jerry Ellis of the City of Key Colony Beach. Through the
Act, we can invest in water quality, restoration and protection; water supply protection; and land, which
are all vital to ensuring the Keys remain vibrant and full of life.
Thank you to the House State Affairs Committee for voting favorable on this much-needed
legislation, said Chairman J. Robert Dean of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority Board of Directors.

(MORE)

FLORIDA KEYS STEWARDSHIP ACT | PAGE 2

We are energized by the continued support of the Florida Keys Stewardship Act and are hopeful that
this measure successfully continues through the process.
###