TITLE
RESOLUTION URGING PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP AND THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO REAUTHORIZE THE CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000; SUPPORTING AMENDMENTS TO THE CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000 THAT WOULD EXPAND THE CORAL REEF CONSERVATION PROGRAM

BODY
WHEREAS, the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 was developed to promote the wise management and sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems to benefit local communities and the Nation, to assist in the preservation of coral reefs by supporting conservation programs, to provide financial resources for conservation programs and projects, and to establish a formal mechanism for collecting and allocating monetary donations from the private sector to coral reef conservation projects; and
WHEREAS, the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 authorized appropriations for fiscal years 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 to conduct activities to conserve coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, S. 839, a bill entitled the Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2013, was introduced by United States Senator Bill Nelson (D-Florida) for consideration during the 113th Congress; and
WHEREAS, H.R. 5771, a bill entitled the Conserving Our Reefs and Livelihoods Act of 2016, was introduced by United States Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Florida) for consideration during the 114th Congress; and
WHEREAS, S. 839 and H.R. 5771 would have reauthorized the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000; and
WHEREAS, reauthorization of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 is paramount for ensuring the continued protection of our shorelines, coastal food sources, cultural practices, and coastal economies,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board:
Section 1. Urges President Donald Trump and the United States Congress to reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000.
Section 2. Supports amendments to the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 that would expand the coral reef conservation program.
Section 3. Directs the County�s federal lobbyists to advocate for the legislative action set forth in Section 1 above, and authorizes and directs the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to amend the 2017 Federal Legislative Package to include this item.