A Biscayne Bay commission is one step closer to becoming reality.
Representative Bryan Avila, who's sponsoring the bill, says the bay continues to decline and there needs to be a central authority to oversee all public and private projects. HB 1177 states:
The Biscayne Bay Commission is hereby established as the official coordinating clearinghouse for all public policy and projects related to Biscayne Bay to unite all governmental agencies, businesses, and residents in the area to speak with one voice on bay issues; to develop coordinated plans, priorities, programs, projects, and budgets that might substantially improve the bay area; and to act as the principal advocate and watchdog to ensure that bay projects are funded and implemented in a proper and timely manner.
The bill was approved by the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations subcommittee today (3/16), while an identical bill is being worked through the Florida Senate.