Public comments accepted through Nov. 27; City Commission to address the draft plan on Dec. 4
The City of Sarasota Climate Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan is available in final draft form for public review and comment at www.SarasotaFL.Gov/SGC, the city has announced.
Comments will be accepted through Monday, Nov. 27, a news release points out.
Statements may be submitted via a user-friendly online form at www.SarasotaFL.Gov/SGC or by email to Stevie.Freeman-Montes@SarasotaFL.Gov, the release adds.
The draft report “is the culmination of months of detailed analysis” by a team of city staff members and representatives of a consulting firm, HDR, who studied the city’s infrastructure and identified vulnerabilities to future sea level rise, storm surge, flooding and temperature projections, the release explains. More than 200 manmade and natural infrastructure assets were considered as part of that process. Among those were shorelines; parks; water supply, wastewater and stormwater management facilities; and transportation systems, the release adds.
“This study is a critical starting point in making Sarasota more resilient,” said Stevie Freeman-Montes, the city’s sustainability manager, in the release. “It is about making smart investments that consider science in our long-term infrastructure decisions. Collaboration and partnerships will play important roles in implementing the plan. So, we want to ensure the community has an opportunity to review the report and provide thoughtful input at this stage.”
“The most current, credible and reliable local projections related to climate change were used as a foundation to develop the Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation Plan,” the release points out. Thus, city staff will be able to plan properly and adapt for climate change and help protect the short- and long-term interests of residents and businesses, the release adds.
“Local businesses, residents, academia, government institutions, and community foundations all have roles to play to contribute ideas and take ownership of a visionary future that moves climate adaptation projects and funding forward,” said City Manager Tom Barwin in the release. “By planning smart today, Sarasota will be better prepared for tomorrow.”
After public comment has been received and reviewed by staff, the final draft of the Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation Plan will be presented to the City Commission for consideration on Monday, Dec. 4, the release notes.