2019 Legislative Priorities

Federal Legislative 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 an additional $1 million of funding for the Army Corps feasibility study to assess coastal storm risk management to extend for 50 additional years the federal authorizations for the Treasure Island and Long Key Nourishment Projects currently set to expire in 2025 and 2030, respectfully.
Support the continued funding for Pinellas County beach nourishment projects including Pass-a-Grille Beach, which is in an eroded state, not funded, and tentatively scheduled for nourishment in 2021.
Request the Army Corps of Engineers reevaluate their Perpetual Storm Damage Reduction Easement policy, requiring beachfront property owner easements from areas landward of the Erosion Control Line (ECL) where the Army Corps has historically placed sand.

Support regional solutions, approaches, and funding opportunities that address transportation needs.
Support funding for hardening and increased resiliency of infrastructure.

Support an extension to the current moratorium on oil drilling in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico within 125 miles of Florida, set to expire in 2022.
Oppose expansion of additional Gulf of Mexico lease agreements in Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program.

For more information, please contact Brian Lowack, Pinellas County Intergovernmental Liaison (727) 464-5758, Blowack@pinellas.gov