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RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING JUNE 29 THRU JULY 5, 2007 NATIONAL CLEAN BEACHES WEEK AND URGING CONGRESS TO ADOPT HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 186

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WHEREAS, the Clean Beaches Council, as part of Great Outdoors Month, has designated the week beginning June 29, 2007 as National Clean Beaches Week; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the vital role that our beaches play for the environment, recreation, healthy seafood and tourism, governors, mayors and beach communities across the country have proclaimed the week of June 29th as National Clean Beaches Week; and
WHEREAS, coastal areas are the leading tourism destination and produce 85 percent of all tourism dollars in the United States and are of special importance to the economy of Miami-Dade County; and
WHEREAS, beaches are sensitive ecosystems, susceptible to degradation and alteration from pollution, sea level rise, natural forces, and improper use; and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County, in partnership with the federal government and local communities, have expended tens of millions of dollars to renourish its beaches, as well as native landscaping and other measures to keep its beaches clean and healthy; and
WHEREAS, 75% of all recreational activity occurs within a half mile corridor around the shorelines of our nation�s beaches, rivers, and lakes; and
WHEREAS, coastal tourism and healthy, fresh seafood fuels robust coastal economies, especially in South Florida; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the foregoing, House Resolution No. 186 is presently pending in Congress and seeks to designate the week commencing in June, and including July 5, of each year as National Clean Beaches Week,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that:
Section 1. The seven-day period beginning on June 29 and ending on July 5, 2007 is hereby proclaimed National Clean Beaches Week and the Board encourages all residents of Miami-Dade County to visit, enjoy, and protect our beaches, one of the greatest natural resources of our community.
Section 2. The Board of County Commissioners of Miami-Dade County urges the adoption of House Resolution No. 186 designating the seven-day period beginning in June and ending on July 5 of each year as National Clean Beaches Week and the Clerk of the Board is directed to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives for inclusion in the Congressional Record.