The Florida Senate

253.7826  Canal structures.--

(1)  Before making a final decision on the disposition of the Inglis Lock, the department must gather the following additional information to assess the situation and justify the final decision:

(a)  Determine and explain the functions of the current lock and flow control structures, especially their function in flood control and weed control.

(b)  Determine the operating conditions of these structures and recommend alternative design strategies to improve the current functions provided by existing works that will result in efficient operating and maintenance costs.

(c)  Determine the navigability options provided by the current works and determine how these features can be reasonably maintained by an alternative design of the works.

Based on the additional information gathered, the department's recommendations must be presented to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund and to the Legislature by July 1, 1994.

(2)  Prior to a final determination of the disposition of the canal works impounding the Oklawaha River at the Rodman Reservoir being made, the department shall study the efficacy, both environmental and economic, of complete restoration of the Oklawaha River, partial restoration of the river, total retention of the Rodman Reservoir, and partial retention of the reservoir. The department shall contact the United States Army Corps of Engineers to determine what elements of its study would mirror a federal environmental impact statement if required by the Corps before issuing permits regarding the disposition of the canal works. Based on all relevant information, including that obtained under this subsection, the efficacy of the options for restoring the Oklawaha River, retaining the Rodman Reservoir, and partial restoration or retention shall be summarized and evaluated by the department. The department shall present its findings and recommendations to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by January 1, 1995. The final determination as to the disposition of the Rodman Reservoir shall be made following the submission of these findings and recommendations.

History.--s. 54, ch. 93-213; s. 85, ch. 94-356.