Subject:
Title
2024 Federal Legislative Program.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the 2024 Federal Legislative Program.
• The 2024 Federal Legislative Program outlines the Board’s federal legislative priorities for the year, including:
o National Flood Insurance Program
■ SUPPORT a long-term extension to the program that ensures financial sustainability, while not pricing out policy holders. This includes providing premium discounts for private and community-based mitigation efforts.
■ SUPPORT legislation that revises Risk Rating 2.0 to better support the connection between insurance, flood mapping, flood risk management and encourages mitigation.
o Beach Nourishment
■ REQUEST the Army Corps of Engineers reevaluate its Perpetual Storm Damage Reduction Easement policy, which requires 100% of beachfront property owner to provide perpetual public access, use, and construction easements for areas landward of the Erosion Control Line within the limits of the Sand Key, Treasure Island, and Long Key nourishment projects.
o Offshore Oil Drilling
■ SUPPORT legislation to permanently ban oil drilling in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico within 125 miles of Florida. Legislation providing for a moratorium in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico expired in 2022, but the area remains protected through 2032 under a 2020 Presidential Executive Order.
o American Rescue Plan Funding
■ SUPPORT legislation that provides additional flexibility and extends the dates by which State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds may be obligated and spent.
o Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
■ SUPPORT strategies and funding for local governments that reduce or eliminate PFAS and hold parties responsible for introducing PFAS into waste streams.
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Strategic Plan:
Deliver First-Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
Summary
The Federal Legislative Program outlines the Board’s federal priorities for the year. In addition to the priorities included in the program, staff and the County’s federal government relations firm, Van Scoyoc Associates will closely monitor all issues that emerge and have the potential to impact Pinellas County Government’s ability to deliver services to residents and visitors alike.
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Background Information:
The program was created with input from staff, the County’s government relations firm, and the Board. The issues identified are those that have a substantial impact on the County and are likely to be addressed during the current Congress.
Fiscal Impact:
This item has no fiscal impact on Pinellas County.
Staff Member Responsible:
Tom Almonte, Assistant County Administrator
Partners:
Pinellas County Federal Legislative Delegation
Van Scoyoc Associates, Federal Governmental Relations Firm
Attachments:
2024 Federal Legislative Priorities