Advocacy Report
By: MIASF Staff
Date posted: Dec 18, 2019 Wed
The Florida Department of Transportation presented a draft report of the FEC Railroad Bridge Study to MIASF’s Ad Hoc Bridge Committee, and subsequently presented the results to the city of Fort Lauderdale Marine Advisory Board. The completed report will be provided to the Florida Legislature on January 2, 2020.
MIASF met with the U.S. Coast Guard and FEC representatives regarding the New River railroad bridge operation procedures and policies to determine a resolution to the bridge opening schedule, specifically in regard to the proposed USCG regulatory actions (deviation) to avoid obstruction of reasonable navigation. The USCG is proposing a new test deviation to be published in January that will include predictable openings.
The city of Miami Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board considered an agenda item that would make the approval and permitting for marinas in certain areas of the City more restrictive. Working with F.I.N.D. Commissioner Spencer Crowley, who had the item temporarily deferred until February, MIASF has committed to assuring any obstacles to water access are carefully reviewed by all before implementation.
MIASF was represented by Lori Wheeler at the Advisory Council of Marine Associations, which met in an all-day session during Dealer Week in Tampa from December 8th through 10th to establish a list of legislative and regulatory recommendations to send on to the board of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. The top items recognized were water quality, workforce development, monitoring ethanol regulations, and promoting the economic impact of boating to the outdoor recreational segment.
The Broward Days Marine Industry Impact Team met for the third time to finalize its list of legislative priorities in advance of the 2020 Florida Legislative Session, which begins on January 14th. Participating on the team in addition to MIASF are representatives from the International Yacht Brokers Association, Ward’s Marine, the Port Everglades Association, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the Passenger Vessel Association, the U.S. Superyacht Association, AERE Marine Group, the Port Everglades Pilot Association, and the Association of Marina Industries. The team has identified a number of issues to include in its advocacy efforts during the annual Broward Days visit to Tallahassee on January 21st and 22nd.