FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2014
DEP DESIGNATES HURLBURT FIELD AIR FORCE BASE MARINA A CLEAN MARINA
~Marina becomes the 279th member of the Florida Clean Marina program~
~Marina takes initiative to become more environmentally friendly~
HURLBURT FIELD AFB – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, together
with the Clean Boating Partnership, welcomes the Hurlburt Field Air Force Base
Marina to the Florida Clean Marina Program.
Today, the Department’s Northwest District Director Shawn
Hamilton joined Colonel Douglas Dudley, Commander 1st Special Operations
Mission Support Group, and Lieutenant Colonel Jim Beaty, Commander, 1st Special
Operations Force Support Squadron, to celebrate Hurlburt Field Marina's designation. Hurlburt Field AFB Marina is Florida’s 279th designated Clean
Marina to be recognized for their commitment to environmental stewardship and implementation
of best management practices.
“We’re
excited to recognize Hurlburt Field Marina for their environmental
stewardship,” said Hamilton. “Protecting Florida’s marine resources is
instrumental to the continued health of both the state’s natural and business
environments.”
Located on Hurlburt Field Air Force Base with direct access
to the Gulf of Mexico, the marina offers a range of environmentally protective amenities
for boaters including recycling services and wash racks over a containment area
with water recovery system. To become a designated member of the Florida Clean
Marina Program, facilities must implement a set of environmental measures
designed to protect Florida’s waterways. These measures address critical
environmental issues such as sensitive habitats, waste management, stormwater
control, spill prevention and emergency preparedness.
“We are pleased to support the environmental protection of
Florida’s coastal waters,” said Beaty. “Stewardship
of this natural resource builds on the outstanding relationship Hurlburt Field
enjoys with the great state of Florida and one we hope to maintain for years to
come. Being designated a Florida Clean Marina is indeed an
achievement that makes us proud and pleased."
Florida has more than 1 million registered motorized
vessels and more than 2,000 marinas - the largest number of marine facilities
in the country. Drawing millions of visitors each year, Florida’s clear waters,
world-class beaches and coral reefs supplement a $67.2 billion tourism industry,
an $18.4 billion boating industry and a fishing industry that injects more than
$6.9 billion a year into Florida’s communities. Protecting Florida’s waterways
is essential for the continued growth of our state's aquatic industries.
The Florida Clean Marina Program is a voluntary
state initiative that recognizes marinas and boatyards for their commitment to
the protection of Florida’s waterways and natural resources. For more information about the Florida Clean Marina Program,
visit www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina
|