161.05301  Beach erosion control project staffing; coastal construction building codes review.--

(1)  There are hereby appropriated to the Department of Environmental Protection six positions and $449,918 for fiscal year 1998-1999 from the Ecosystem Management and Restoration Trust Fund from revenues provided by this act pursuant to s. 201.15(8). These positions and funding are provided to assist local project sponsors, and shall be used to facilitate and promote enhanced beach erosion control project administration. Such staffing resources shall be directed toward more efficient contract development and oversight, promoting cost-sharing strategies and regional coordination or projects among local governments, providing assistance to local governments to ensure timely permit review, and improving billing review and disbursement processes.

(2)  Upon implementation of the Governor's Building Codes Study Commission recommendations pertaining to coastal construction, and the adoption of those recommendations by local governments, the department shall delegate the coastal construction building codes review pursuant to s. 161.053 to those local governments. Current department positions supporting the coastal construction building codes review shall be directed to support implementation of the subject beach management plan.