Many local organizations and government entities are actively working together to solve the water problems facing our community. Among them, the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau is committed to joining other stakeholders to be a part of the regional solution to our area’s water crisis. We want to help find the solutions to both water quality and water quantity issues, as well as timing. It’s vital for the long-term survival of our tourism-based economy.
That’s one of the reasons the Lee County Board of County Commissioners has budgeted $271 million for projects that complement and further the missions of the South Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In addition, the County has identified $111 million in needed remedial works for stormwater storage and quality. Another $4 million beyond normal revenues was added this year for that same purpose. Moreover, the County has year-round watering restrictions with enforcement.
As part of Lee County’s efforts to solve our water problems, the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau has joined other community stakeholders to make great strides in fostering projects and programs to address water quality issues. The VCB has retained two environmental consulting firms – one in South Florida and one in Washington, D.C. – to lobby for our interests.
To stay informed of developments as they occur, representatives of these two firms regularly attend key meetings of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Project. Only by staying informed can we actively and productively contribute to the process.
Click here to learn details of the progress the VCB and other stakeholders have made so far.
