Industrial expansion exempted from DRI process in aquatic preserves
Isn't industrial development in Florida supposed to be watched closely? Isn't that particularly important on our coasts? What about in an area of the Gulf coast that is surrounded by aquatic preserves, wetlands, protected marshlands, conservation areas, archaeological protected areas and state parks and that constitutes one of the few really pristine areas of the southern Gulf Coast? They have some very powerful politicians behind it including Senator Bennett who just passed his own bill out of "his" Senate committee on Community Affairs--unanimously.
Five bills, SB 0424, SB 0856, SB 0932, HB 1021 and HB 0441 all have language in them that would exempt expanding port industrial facilities from the DRI process. The people behind the change are the folks at Port Manatee, and they want it because, while located in an area surrounded by aquatic preserves, wetlands, conservation lands and state parks, they would never be able to expand their port with DRI process oversight. This language is being hidden in the Senate and House Transportation bills as well as the standalone language being sponsored by the Senator (Bennett) and House member representing the Port Manatee area. The only thing they need for the exemption is to show that their industrial or commercial expansion is port-related.
wetlands, aquatic preserves, industry, exemptions, DRI, growth management (all tags)