Bill Type and Number: Ordinance 2007-208

Sponsor: The Council President at the request of the Mayor:

Date of Introduction: February 27, 2007

Committee(s) of Reference: F; ECID; JWW

Date of Analysis: March 2, 2007

Type of Action: Appropriation

Bill Summary: The bill appropriates $223,012 from the Environmental Protection Board (EPB) Trust Fund to provide funding for a joint project of Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida to produce a comprehensive report on the state of the St. Johns River. The funds carryover to Fiscal Year 2007-2008.

Background Information: The bill funds a joint study and report on the current health of the Lower St. Johns River Basin. The objective of the proposal is to produce a “concise, easy to understand, and graphically pleasing document for the general public that explains the current health” of the river basin. The scope of the study, State of the River Report, will focus on water quality, including dissolved oxygen, nutrients, turbidity and harmful algal blooms; fisheries; aquatic life, including threatened and endangered species; and contamination. The study’s work will buttress the work and objectives of the River Accord.

Policy Impact: Environmental Resource Management Department/Environmental Quality Division

Fiscal Impact: This bill appropriates $223,012.00

Analyst: Jackson