water resources committee

 

water resources Committee Mission Statement:

The FLERA Water Resources Committee is comprised of a diverse collection of environmental resource managers and floodplain management professionals. Our goal is to focus on science-based solutions and policy driven actions to identify and implement effective practices related to floodplain management, sea-level rise, climate change, and water/wastewater resources. This is accomplished in three primary ways:

Sharing case studies and best management practices with an emphasis on nature-based solutions that improve resiliency;

Improving the nexus between regulatory requirements and applied science regarding water management practices and floodplain management; and

Using science-based examples to advocate for improved land use rules and innovative, sustainable ways to prevent or mitigate the effects of climate change and sea-level rise on our communities.

Key Topics of Emphasis or Discussion

1.     Funding opportunities such as the RESTORE Act.

2.     Primary drivers and challenges such as the Biggert-Waters legislation, FEMA's CRS program, and developmental pressures.

3.     Case Studies and Best Management Practice discussion.

FLERA 2021 Legislative Agenda Items

1.     Track the progress of DOH authority over septic tanks and septic-to-sewer issues being transferred to DEP.

2.     Monitor and comment on any proposed state level bills related to floodplains and floodplain management.

3.     Stay engaged on sea-level rise and climate change science and how it interacts with local and. state comprehensive plans and land use ordinances.

Committee Contact Information

Co-Chair: Matt Posner, Escambia County, mjposner@myescambia.com
Co-Chair: Eliana Bardi, Alachua County, ebardi@alachuacounty.us
Guillermo Simon, Halff Associates, Inc., gSimon@Halff.com
Jennifer Hecker, Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership, jhecker@chnep.org
Julie Bortles, Orange County, julie.bortles@ocfl.net
Stacie Greco, Alachua County, sgreco@alachuacounty.us
Elizabeth Kelly, Martin County, ekelly@martin.fl.us
Tom Carey, Volusia County, tcarey@volusia.org
Khan Boupha, Jones Edmunds, kboupha@jonesedmunds.com
Vanessa Balta, Broward County, vbalta@broward.org
Michael Yustin, Martin County, myustin@martin.fl.us
Brett Connell, Trutta Environmental Solutions, brett.connell@truttasolutions.com
Ted Reese, Environmental Science Associates, treese@esassoc.com