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CBIRS Request 2443
 
Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #2443
Cool Communities
 
Requester: Audrey Ordenes Organization: Citizens for a Better South Florida
 
Project Title: Cool Communities Date Submitted 1/15/2003 3:00:44 PM
 
Sponsors: Diaz de la Portilla
 
Statewide Interest:
Health and the environment
 
Recipient: Citizens for a Better South Florida   Contact: Audrey Ordenes  
  2025 S.W. 32nd Ave   Contact Phone: (305) 648-0000  
  Miami 33145
 
Counties: Dade
 
Gov't Entity:   Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit): Yes
 
Project Description:
Implement a "Cool Communities" program in miami-dade county to address urban tree canopy restoration and energy conservationh education.The program compliments the Dept. of agriculture's Adopt-a-tree program, which was developed in response to urban tree loss resulting form Citrus Canker eradication efforts."Cool Communities is a comprehensive program designed to promote interagency coordination and reduce government regulations by promoting citezenship and community values through neighborhood stewardship efforts to increase tree canopy and reduce energy consumption.
 
Is this a water project as described in Chapter 2002-291, Laws of Florida? No
 
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
The Cool Communities Program will benifit the local economy by improving property values and reducing the need for increased energy consumption due to increased shading and energy conservation education provided as a result of this project. Florida Power and Light estimates that energy use in Miami-Dade County equals 25% of all energy use in the state of Florida, with half of that energy consumed just for air-conditioning. Adding one mature tree in the right location at each home in the county would increase energy savings county-wide to over $14.4 million a year and lower peak demand. Increased tree canopy also reduces stormwater run-off and flooding problems, minimizing the need for costly engineering projects and increased government regulations. Air quality improvements are also significant as a result of this project. Trees reduce carbon in the air, which is the most abundant of the greenhouse gases. Health concerns, especially cases of childhood asthma can be reduced by adding tree canopy to clean air, and again reduce the need for increased government regulation.
 
Amount requested from the State for this project this year: $150,000
 
Total cost of the project: $300,000
 
Request has been made to fund: Operations
 
What type of match exists for this project? Private
  Cash Amount $100,000   In-kind Amount $75,000
 
Was this project previously funded by the state?   No
 
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?   Yes
  Amount: $100,000 To Fund: Operations
 
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?   No
 
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget? No
 
Is there a documented need for this project? Yes
  Documentation: City of South Miami Assesment, Miami Dade County Assesment, American Forest Study, F.P.&L
 
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?   Yes
  Hearing Body: Miami-Dade County Commission
  Hearing Meeting Date: 02/14/2002