Early Bird Discount Ends May 3rd!
Sanibel Harbour Marriott, Ft. Myers
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FSA Fogarty
Training Center
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FSA Member Search Directory
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Applications and all supporting materials are due August 4, 2017.
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2017 Annual Conference - Register NOW!
Based on registrations received thus far,
FSA's 2017 Annual Conference will be a full house! (FSA's room block at the hotel is already almost sold out.) Why? It's the
best-of-the-best in stormwater training, education and networking in Florida and the only one that
"connects the dots" between legislative/regulatory policy and implementation strategies. There's a great Opening Session and Keynote Speakers, outstanding workshop topics, the best opportunities for networking and a completely sold out Exhibit Hall! Like last year, there's a third "track" of sessions, offering not only more workshops and but also giving you greater flexibility in picking those sessions that you REALLY want to attend.
Register Now for the Annual Conference this June 14-16 at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott -
the early-bird discounted rate ends May 3rd!
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"Looking Ahead at Water Policy"
Conference Opening Session
An outstanding panel will discuss future water policy in Florida during the
Opening Session of the 24th Annual Conference. The Keynote Address will be given by
Clay Henderson, Executive Director of the Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience at Stetson University. A lawyer by education, Mr. Henderson served for two terms on the Volusia County Council and was a member of the Florida Constitutional Revision Commission in 1997-98. He has been directly involved with most of the natural resource protection provisions in the Florida Constitution, and led the development of many nationally-recognized land conservation programs, including Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever. The Keynote Address will be followed by a panel discussion including
Representative Matt Caldwell, Chair of the House Government Accountability Committee;
Ryan Matthews, FDEP Interim Secretary; and, FSA President
Tiffany Busby.
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As of the time this edition of the fastTRACKS was released, it seems likely that the 2017 Regular Session will end as scheduled on Friday, May 5th. The last Priority Issues summary will be posted to the
Legislative (members only) Page of the FSA website shortly after the conclusion of the Session and a Final Summary of issues for 2017 will be uploaded the week of May 8th. FSA's webinar
Overview of the 2017 Legislative Session is set for May 11th at 2:30 p.m. Registration for the webinar is full but members will be able to access a recording of the webinar shortly after its conclusion.
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EPA Initiatives
Three initiatives currently underway concerning EPA and water quality policy/programs deserve the attention of FSA members. To the extent that a robust, nationwide interpretation of the Clean Water Act is necessary for successful partnerships to implement the program, local governments should monitor emerging developments as they may affect your ability to effectively manage water quality improvement plans and objectives.
Regulatory Streamlining - EPA is seeking public input on existing regulations that "could be repealed, replaced or modified to make them less burdensome." The Agency is soliciting written comments through May 15, 2017.
See docket
EPA-HQ-OA-2017-0190 and visit the EPA
Office of Water's webpage for more information.
EPA Budget Cuts - The Administration has proposed significant cuts to the EPA budget, seeking to reduce agency spending by 31% to $5.7 billion from $8.1 billion, including eliminating the $165 million Nonpoint Source Grant program and about 25% of the agency's 15,000 positions. The most recent EPA budget was already 20% less than its 2010 funding level of $10 billion.
WOTUS - While FSA objected to many provisions contained in the final Waters of the United States rule (litigation remains active in federal courts) EPA has recently noticed its intention to review and substantially revise or withdraw the rule, perhaps to a regulatory scheme that existed well before the recent WOTUS regulations were proposed.
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FSAEF Scholarships - Apply Soon!
The FSA Educational Foundation's 2017
Scholarship Program awards financial assistance to qualified students attending Florida colleges and universities whose educational interest is in stormwater research, management or finance. Applications are accepted annually from graduate students in colleges or schools of engineering, natural science, public administration (or closely related fields) that have an interest in stormwater quality, management or finance. Qualified applicants should submit an
Application Form along with all supporting materials no later than August 4, 2017.
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FSA Career Center
Did you know that FSA members can post position vacancies on the FSA Career Center at no cost (i.e. FREE!) for 30 days? Visit the
Career Center to post a job announcement or to search for open positions.
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New FSA Website
FSA management has put hundreds (
yes - hundreds!) of hours into revamping
www.florida-stormwater.org. It's more user-friendly, is fully functional using your smart phone, has a searchable Directory, and a more convenient invoicing/payment mechanism. Take a moment to
review the website and
your profile. Let us know if you have any ideas for improvements! Remember that each employee in all member organizations has their own unique login. Forgot your password? Just
click here!
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Establishing a Stormwater Utility in Florida
FSA's manual on
Establishing a Stormwater Utility in Florida was first published in 1998 and revised in 2003 and 2013. Initially written to assist communities that are considering the development and implementation of a stormwater utility, the latest edition is also helpful for those cities or counties with established utilities that are considering revisions to their program, like changes to rates or rate structures, policies on credits, billing and collection mechanisms, etc. The cost is $30 for FSA members and $50 for non-members.
Order Your Copy Today!
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Stormwater Operator Training
FSA's Fogarty Training Center offers numerous classes throughout the year for stormwater field staff and their supervisors each year. Successful completion of either the Level 1 or Level 2 Certified Stormwater Operator class (or recertification) is recognized by FDEP as fulfilling your MS4 permit's requirements for training and refresher training of stormwater staff in:
- Erosion and Sedimentation Control
- Good Housekeeping Practices
- High Risk Facilities
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
- Spill Prevention and Remediation
FSA Certifications are valid for five years. The most convenient way to
renew your certification is to attend a two-hour class online. The next online recertification classes are set for May 16th. A final online option for this year is scheduled for November 7, 2017; watch the Training Center's website for details.
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We appreciate your feedback! Please don't hesitate to contact us if have any questions about FSA.
Sincerely,
Florida Stormwater Association
Website: www.florida-stormwater.org
Toll-Free Phone: 888-221-3124
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