Brevard County leaders approved a half-cent sales tax hike option to help pay for the cleanup of the Indian River Lagoon.
The sales tax will now go before voters on the November ballot.
- Half-cent sales tax hike approved for Save Our Lagoon Project Plan
- Indian River Lagoon has seen algae blooms, dead fish, dolphins
- Increase was one of five plans offered up
Brevard County commissioners on Tuesday voted unanimously for the plan, hoping to generate $303 million for the Save Our Lagoon Project Plan.
For years now, the Indian River Lagoon has seen algae blooms, fish kills and hundreds of dead dolphins, manatees and pelicans wash ashore.
An estuary known for its diverse habitat, fishing and leisure activities is failing into ailing health.
The county had proposed five different plans, involving an increase in property taxes or sales taxes, or a combination of both, to pay for the 10-year cleanup plan.
Two-thirds of the $303 million would be used to remove muck that blocks the lagoon’s sea grass from sunlight.
The rest of it would be used to reduce fertilizer and storm water runoff and increase the amount of oysters in the lagoon to help filter the water.
Theplan now goes on the November ballot and voters would ultimately decide if they want to help the lagoon or not.
While taxes would go up, county leaders say when considering tourism, real estate values and commercial fishing, the improvements would create a $2 billion positive economic impact.
They say if Brevard County fails to do anything, experts estimate $4 billion in damages over the next decade.