2015 Session Beginning to Ramp Up! 
The 2015 Florida Legislative Session begins on Tuesday, March 3, 2015. As bills are filed for the Session, information on legislation of interest to FSA's membership will be posted to the Legislative (members only) Page of the FSA website. The page includes information on the impacts of a bill, its location in the legislative process, contact information on the bill's sponsor and the membership of its next committee of reference, etc. It's a great way for FSA members to track where key stormwater legislation "is" in "the process!"
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FSA's "Implementing Amendment #1" Webinar
FSA's first webinar of 2015 will be held on February 19th. The webinar will discuss Amendment #1, focusing on the Legislature's implementation of the recently-adopted amendment to the Florida Constitution requiring that one-third of the net revenues from documentary stamp taxes are used to acquire and restore Florida conservation and recreation lands, including wetlands, fish habitats, and lands protecting water resources and drinking water sources. Thanks to the sponsorship of Applied Sciences, this webinar is brought to you at no cost! Space is limited, so Register Now! |
WOTUS Update: EPA Releases Final Report
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FSA Annual Conference Returning to Sanibel
Due to popular demand, FSA is excited to announce that we have signed a multiple-year contract with the Sanibel Harbour Marriott through 2018! The Resort offers a perfect balance of a convention hotel with a resort atmosphere, and will allow FSA's Annual Conference to continue to grow. Signing a contract for multiple years enables the Association to better control prices at the hotel - typically the largest portion of conference registration fees. So mark your calendars now for the 2015 Annual Conference on June 17-19 (registration opens in March.) We will see you in Sanbiel!
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Environmental Groups File Stormwater Lawsuit On December 18, 2014 the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Environmental Defense Center filed a lawsuit in the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit seeking to strengthen standards to prevent pollution from stormwater. The lawsuit alleges that EPA had failed to implement the Court's 2003 ruling ordering EPA to strengthen rules on urban runoff.
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FSA Stormwater Excellence Awards FSA's Excellence Awards are given annually in two categories: Projects and Programs. Nominations of deserving stormwater projects or programs are being accepted now! Applications and supporting documentation for awards must be received no later than February 27, 2015. Nominees must be an FSA member and only one application is allowed per organization per category - but if you've won in previous years, you can apply again. Please see the nomination form for specific application details. Announcements of the winning submissions and presentations of the awards will be made during FSA's 2015 Annual Conference in June. |
Applications for Stormwater Scholarship Open
Applications are now being accepted for Florida Stormwater Association Educational Foundation's 2015 Scholarship Award. The Award is provided annually to graduate students studying stormwater quality, management or finance at a Florida college or university. The application deadline is August 7, 2015. Go to the Scholarship Page for more information and an application form.
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FDEP Water Quality Credit Trading Rules FDEP has held two hearings on draft rules implementing legislation that authorized the expansion of water quality credit trading from what had been a pilot project in the lower St. Johns River to statewide. Written comments on the draft regulations may be provided to FDEP through March 10, 2015. For more information, contact Eric Shaw at 850-245-8429. |
Training Center Classes Scheduled for 2015 Stormwater Operator Certification classes from the FSA Training Center keep your stormwater field staff up-to-date on current best practices and new developments in their occupation, and help fulfill your MS4 permit's requirements for training and education! Go to the Training Center page on the FSA website for information on curriculum, fees, dates and locations. |
Yeargain Promoted to Managing Director  VHB has announced that Paul Yeargain has been promoted to Managing Director of the Central Florida office. As Managing Director, Paul will oversee strategic development, and also manage VHB's transportation planning and engineering, environmental, and land development service areas. He will continue his role as leader of the Water Resources Team in Florida. Congratulations, Paul! |
