2018 Legislative Priorities
Federal Legislative Program
| Subject | Position |
|---|---|
| Anclote River dredging project | Support the Army Corps of Engineers participation in the Anclote River Federally Authorized Dredge project. |
| Beach Nourishment/Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) Implementation |
Support the reauthorization of the Treasure Island Beach Nourishment Project through the ongoing Section 1037 study.
Support continued funding for Pinellas County beach nourishment projects.
Monitor future Water Resources Development (WRDA) Acts for impacts to Pinellas County projects.
Support approval of funding for the construction of erosion control structures (such as permanent rock structures) that reduce nourishment frequency requirements on highly erosive
beaches.
|
| FY 2018 Appropriations | Support appropriations for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), HOME, Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Grants, Community Services Block Grants, Corps of Engineers beach funding, COPS and Byrne JAG funding, Emergency Management Performance Grant funding, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area funding (HIDTA), Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants Program, and Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant funding. |
| Internet Sales Tax- Marketplace Fairness Act | Support the legislation to authorize the states to compel remote sellers to collect sales tax at the time of a transaction. |
| National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) |
Support legislative action, policies and programs to ensure that all property owners can purchase affordable flood insurance.
Oppose legislation from the House Financial Services Committee that would increase costs for policyholders, create unfunded mandates for local governments and undermine the stability of
the NFIP.
|
| Regional Transportation | Support regional solutions, approaches, and funding opportunities that address transportation needs. |
| Waters of the United States (WOTUS) |
Support collaboration between the EPA, Army Corps and local governments to ensure clarity on the rule and ensure clean water.
Monitor efforts to redraft the 2015 WOTUS rule for impacts to Pinellas County operations and to the environment.
|
| Zika Funding and Research | Support sustained funding for research, public health education efforts and state and local mosquito control districts to combat Zika. |
| Offshore Drilling |
Oppose efforts to increase offshore oil and gas exploration.
Support the extension of the current moratorium on oil and gas drilling in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico that expires in 2022.
|
| Opioid Crisis |
Support appropriations to fund programs in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and the 21st Century Cures Act.
Support efforts by Pinellas County or partner organizations to secure funding to fight opioid addiction.
|
| Tax Reform |
Monitor tax reform efforts for impacts to Pinellas County.
Oppose the elimination of private activity bonds, which would have a detrimental impact on the construction of affordable housing.
Oppose the elimination of advance refunding of municipal bonds, which saved the taxpayers of Pinellas County $1 million with the refunding of sewer bonds in 2016.
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