PORT CANAVERAL, Florida – On Friday, the Canaveral Port Authority presented a $100,000 check to Dr. Duane DeFreese, Director of the Indian River Lagoon Council, in support of public education to address the causes of damage to the estuary and motivate collaborative community action on the solutions.
Presenting the check were Port Commissioners Bruce Deardoff and Wayne Justice. Port CEO John Murray and Port Director of Environmental Bob Musser also attended.
The Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners unanimously voted for the contribution in May. The Board and audience applauded the proposal from Commissioner Bruce Deardoff, who said pollution from the past 100 years will not be an overnight fix, but change begins with raising public awareness and motivating the community to action.
“The continuing damage being inflicted upon the Indian River Estuary by the more than 1900 storm-water drainage pipes directing millions of gallons of fertilizer, leaves, freshwater sludge, and numerous pollutants into the lagoon is a major part of the problem,” according to Deardoff. “Identifying the problems is the first step, however, our intent is for the development of a long-term management plan that allows all of the community to participate in the solution.“
“Port Canaveral has a rich history of environmental stewardship and today’s vote demonstrates our continued commitment to our community as we work together for the protection of our area’s natural resources,” said Commissioner Chairman Jerry Allender.
Photo credit: Canaveral Port Authority
