Issue Position: Indian River Lagoon (IRL)

Issue Position

The lagoon is what uniquely defines Brevard and Indian River counties. It is our backyard, our playground -- a source of fun, food and natural beauty. In winter 2010/2011, back-to-back weather events hit while the lagoon was in a weakened state, leaving it devastated. The loss of sea grass and animal life was tragic.

There isn't one, single cause for the condition of the lagoon. It is a complex system, but there are things that can be done to help in the healing process. Unfortunately, layers upon layers of government bureaucracy make it almost impossible to execute approved action. There is an urgent need to reduce this complexity, and people on both side of the isle are calling for change.

The lagoon is one of my top priorities. I will focus on simplifying the layers of regulation and clarifying roles and responsibilities among the many federal, state and local government agencies. By simplifying the ecosystem, dedicated community organizations can take over the primary responsibility for managing the lagoon according to the community's wishes.

For example, one of the biggest obstacles to effective lagoon management stems from it being under the jurisdiction of two separate water management districts. By putting the entire lagoon under a single water management district or similar entity, it will simplify permitting, budgeting and management while making it possible to establish more relevant water quality metrics and account for the outcomes of projects involving government funding.

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