HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-23-0534City of Miami
Resolution R-23-0534
Legislation
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
File Number: 15056 Final Action Date: 12/14/2023
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION SUPPORTING MIAMI-
DADE COUNTY'S RESOLUTION NO. R-930-23, ADOPTED ON OCTOBER 17,
2023, URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO PROVIDE INCREASED
FUNDING AND A DEDICATED FUNDING SOURCE FOR THE BISCAYNE BAY
WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM.
SPONSOR(S): Commissioner Christine King
WHEREAS, Biscayne Bay is a critical and irreplaceable component of the environment,
culture, and economy of the City of Miami (City"), Miami -Dade County ("County"), and the State
of Florida; and
WHEREAS, the Miami River and its tributaries contribute to the economic and
environmental outcomes of Biscayne Bay; and
WHEREAS, climate change, population growth, and urbanization have exacerbated the
impacts of flooding, habitat loss, and extended periods of high heat on people, infrastructure,
and our waterbodies; and
WHEREAS, events in recent years, including but not limited to seagrass die -offs, fish
kills, and coral bleaching, have indicated that Biscayne Bay's health is in a precarious state and
that urgent action must be taken to protect Biscayne Bay; and
WHEREAS, the City has continuously taken action to protect Biscayne Bay; and
WHEREAS, the County's efforts include the recent establishment of the Biscayne Bay
Watershed Management Advisory Board; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Legislature has been supporting the County's efforts to protect
Biscayne Bay by, among other things, establishing the Biscayne Bay Commission and
appropriating funding for protection efforts through the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection's Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, for Fiscal Year 2023-24, the Florida Legislature appropriated
$20,000,000.00 to fund projects, including septic to sewer and wastewater projects, that will
improve the water quality of Biscayne Bay; and
WHEREAS, the City of Miami has 2,705 septic systems and over $3 billion in stormwater
management infrastructure needs; and
WHEREAS, increased funding is urgently needed to enable the County to bring to
fruition the various projects the County has planned for the benefit of Biscayne Bay; and
City of Miami Page 1 of 2 File ID: 15056 (Revision:) Printed On: 7/18/2025
File ID: 15056 Enactment Number: R-23-0534
WHEREAS, continued state funding will be necessary in Miami -Dade County to increase
the rate of water quality improvement projects designated for recovery efforts to help improve
Biscayne Bay's health; and
WHEREAS, the Miami City Commission wishes to urge the Florida Legislature to
provide sustained and increased funding for the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement
Grant Program;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution are
adopted by reference and incorporated as if fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2. The City Commission hereby supports Miami -Dade County Resolution No. R-
930-23, urging the Florida Legislature to provide increased funding and a dedicated funding
source for the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program.
Section 3. The City Clerk is hereby directed to transmit a certified copy of this
Resolution to the Governor, the Senate President, the House Speaker, and the Chair and
Members of the Miami -Dade State Legislative Delegation.
Section 4. The City Commission further directs the City's state lobbyists to advocate for
policy's consistent with the stated purpose, and authorizes and directs the Office of
Intergovernmental Affairs to amend the 2024 State Legislative Package to include this item.
Section 5. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
vndez, ity Attor
ey 11/15/2023
City of Miami Page 2 of 2 File ID: 15056 (Revision:) Printed on: 7/18/2025