TITLE
RESOLUTION DIRECTING COUNTY MANAGER TO DIRECT THE AGRICULTURAL MANAGER TO COMPLETE A BIOFUEL PRODUCTION FEASIBILITY STUDY, AND SEEK GRANTS AND OTHER FUNDING SOURCES FOR THE FEASIBILITY STUDY AND DEVELOPMENT OF FUEL CROPS, ETHANOL AND BIODIESEL PRODUCTION IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

BODY
WHEREAS, the agricultural industry of Miami-Dade County is critical to the longterm economic viability of the County; and
WHEREAS, the agriculture industry in Miami-Dade County must have opportunities to flourish through innovation and market competitiveness; and
WHEREAS, national security and energy policies have focused on the potential for biofuels to offset or even replace traditional petroleum transportation fuels; and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County agriculture should have the opportunity to compete effectively in the research, development and growth of biofuels; and
WHEREAS, the potential opportunity for Miami-Dade County growers to produce crops for biofuel production is unknown and must be fully assessed in order to determine how growers can participate in biofuel production; and
WHEREAS, the use of locally grown and refined biofuels will present opportunities to grow jobs in a burgeoning energy sector that can enhance the environment, security and economic self-sufficiency of Miami-Dade County; and
WHEREAS, the State of Florida recently adopted legislation promoting research and implementation of alternative fuels and the U.S. Department of Energy and Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provide grant funding for the same,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that the County Manager is hereby directed by this Board to:
Section 1. Direct the Agricultural Manager to conduct a Biofuel Production Feasibility Study for Miami-Dade County�s agricultural industry.
Section 2. Secure funding in the form of grants and other funding sources for the feasibility study and for public/private partnerships in the development of fuel crops, ethanol and biodiesel refining and distribution in Miami-Dade County.
Section 3. Make recommendations on how the County can further spur local development of fuel crops and other alternative fuel industries in Miami-Dade County.