Broward County Alert
May 22, 2006
The Broward County Commission is
in the final stages of adopting a Boating Facility Siting
Plan. While the intent of this plan is to further protect
our manatee population, it would, as currently drafted,
severely limit future increases in the number of boat slips,
wet and dry boat storage and boat ramp parking spaces in
Broward County.
BoatU.S. is working with the
Marine Industries Association of South Florida's (MIASF), an
800-member trade organization, to encourage the Broward
County Commission to adopt a balanced plan that will both
protect manatees and preserve access to our waterways in
Broward County.
Since the plan must be
approved by July 1st, 2006, your voice needs to be
heard now.
Here is how you can help:
• Sign the Marine
Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) online
petition. Visit
www.miasf.org and select the “MIASF Position on the Boat
Facility Siting Plan” link on the home page. Add your name
to the petition that will be sent to Broward County
Commissioners to make them aware that their constituents are
concerned about this issue. You can also elect to receive
e-mail updates on this issue and public hearing notices.
• Contact Broward
County Commissioners. Write a letter to your
Commissioner expressing your support for a balanced Plan.
(Edit a sample letter by visiting the MIASF web site and
selecting the “MIASF Position on the Boat Facility Siting
Plan” link from the home page).
• Attend the public
hearing. Most important, the Broward County
Commission will have a public hearing regarding the plan at
which time you can voice your concerns about the loss of
water access and service facilities. Check for dates and
location at www.miasf.org.
Get involved in protecting your
rights as a boater to access and enjoy Broward County's
waterways by supporting a fair Manatee Protection Plan. If
you have further questions, you can contact Gordon Connell
with the MIASF at (954) 524-2733 or via email at
Gordon@miasf.org.
