DEP DESIGNATES HURLBURT FIELD AIR FORCE BASE MARINA A CLEAN MARINA

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP DESIGNATES HURLBURT FIELD AIR FORCE BASE MARINA A CLEAN MARINA

~Marina becomes the 279th member of the Florida Clean Marina program~

Hulbert

~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