To: Concerned Citizens
From: Brent Hanlon, Treasurer – CARE FL
Date: September 2, 2015
Since my last update to you on June 25, 2015, CARE FL along with Martin, Indian River and St. Lucie Counties have been actively involved to stop the AAF Project. Significant developments and planned activities follow but let me stress upfront the following:
“We are not giving up or giving in until we stop the AAF Project as it pertains to the Treasure Coast and North Palm Beach County Area.”
As you may be aware on August 5, 2015, the Florida Development Finance Corporation (FDFC) approved AAF’s application to sell $1.75 Billion in Private Activity Bonds (PABs). This came as no surprise as we learned from our public records requests that FDFC board members and AAF officials held numerous meetings/conversations before the vote. Additionally, FDFC would receive $1.8 million in fees only if they voted to approve AAF’s application for sale of the PABs. What you may not be aware of is that CARE FL speakers, the county attorneys and others gave cogent testimony as to FDFC’s lack of transparency and conflict of interest regarding AAF’s application for the PABs. Additionally, CARE FL representatives and others spoke to the negative aspects of the AAF project on boaters (commercial and recreational), safety to pedestrian and vehicle traffic, response time of emergency responders (medical, fire and police), property values, environment and overall quality of life.
On August 18, 2015, Martin County Commissioners voted to file a legal appeal challenging FDFC’s authority to approve the PAB’s sale that has since been filed.
On August 4, 2015, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). It appears the FRA ignored or gave little credence to the more than 12,000 mostly negative comments pertaining to AAF.
This does not equate to “final” approval to the AAF project. Legal actions challenging the FEIS as well as numerous permits by various agencies required by this project may yet be brought, and agencies that have not signed on to the FEIS may have a different view.
On August 26, 2015, CARE FL’s attorney and other representatives met with the U.S. Coast Guard representatives from their Miami and Washington D.C. offices. They advised that they are currently conducting their own analysis of the impact the AAF project will have on navigation and bridge openings and closing. We will be advised of their findings.
Contact with other agencies that will grant permits for the AAF project such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and others are being considered.
A railroad safety expert, who had a 30 year career with the FRA, including seven years as head of the FRA Office of Safety, has been hired by Indian River County. His expertise is being utilized and shared with those opposing the AAF project.
AAF’s, FDFC’s and FRA’s arrogant dismissal of the many legitimate issues/concerns of the AAF project is strengthening our resolve to stop this project as it pertains to the Treasure Coast and North Palm Beach County.
As you can see, actions on several fronts are underway or being considered as we go forward. Your continued support is extremely important. I would suggest you thank your respective County Commissioners for their continuing efforts against the AAF project. With the legal efforts increasing your contributions are critical and should be sent to:
CARE FL – 7407 SE Hill Terrace, Hobe Sound, FL 33455. Attn: Brent Hanlon
I will continue to provide updates on a regular basis, and developments and media reports can be found on our website, www.saveourfl.com.
Download the pdf here:
CARE FL update 9-2-15