Published: November 06, 2009 01:52 pm      

Rep. Debbie Boyd to host forum on North Florida water supply

In response to concerns voiced by the agriculture community and local business owners, State Rep. Debbie Boyd is calling for a comprehensive discussion among state leaders and North Florida residents about the local water supply. Among topics to be discussed are proposed federal regulations that could impede the use of North Florida water.

Boyd along with a distinguished panel of experts will conduct a forum about issues concerning the regional water supply at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16 at Branford Elementary School. Invited participants include state and local leaders in water management and area residents. The forum will include two panels moderated by Representative Boyd.

One panel will focus on the adverse impact on North Florida of litigation that seeks federally mandated uniform statewide standards to govern the level of nutrients in groundwater. Another panel will review trend data demonstrating the dwindling state of the North Florida water supply and will include a discussion of efforts to ensure that the area's long-term water needs are met.

"Water is our most valuable resource, we need to protect our water by encouraging common-sense solutions to the water shortages created by other parts of the state," said Boyd. "Counties in North Florida and the people who live here must have some say in how their water is managed and where it goes."

Panelists at the forum will include Suwannee River Water Management District Executive Director David Still and Kirk Webster, the district's deputy executive director. Others who are invited include: Jerry Brooks, director of the Division of Environmental Assessments & Restoration for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection; Charles Aller, director of Agriculture Natural Resources Management in the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services; Staci Braswell, director of Government and Community Affairs at the Florida Farm Bureau; Eric Draper of Audubon Society of Florida; and Mike Holloway, an engineer from Ocala.

The forum is open to the public. RSVP by calling 386-454-0803. Refreshments will be provided.



What: "Protecting North Florida's Water Supply - Two Critical Issues Facing Our Communities: EPA Numeric Nutrient Criteria and Regional Water Supply"

When: Monday, November 16, 7 p.m.

Where: Branford Elementary School Cafeteria 26801 SR 247