Legislators to Address Florida's Future Water Resources at Orlando Forum

The future of Floridas water supply will be on tap at the 2012 Florida Water Forum Thursday at the Renaissance SeaWorld in Orlando.

The third annual Florida Water Forum, hosted by Associated Industries of Florida and the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association, will center on upcoming legislation involving water resources, the restructured water management districts and the states battle with the federal government over the numeric nutrient criteria.

Florida is in the midst of a water crisis. Increasingly scarce groundwater supplies have been exacerbated by burdensome and unscientifically based regulations, acrimonious litigation, challenges to water management district permits, restrictions on new economic development, and in some areas, a continued decline in natural resources, Rick Ratcliffe, chair of the FSAWWA, stated in a release.

An unstable water future will ultimately wreak havoc on Floridas economy and environment. We are honored to work with AIF to host this forum and, together, help identify solutions that will ensure the availability of safe, sustainable and affordable water resources.

Among those set to discuss water issues are: Rep. Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island; Rep. Steve Perman, D-Boca Raton; Rep. Elizabeth Porter, R-Lake City; Rep. Dana Young, R-Tampa; Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel Vinyard; Sen. Chris Smith, D-Oakland Park; and Florida Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary Greg Munson.

The cost of the event is $50.

For information, visit www.flawaterforum.com.