2014-06 Supporting FPL Gas Power PlantRESOLUTION NO. 2014 -06
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE,
FLORIDA, SUPPORTING A FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT NATURAL GAS POWER
PLANT IN OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Florida Power and Light (FPL), has submitted property owned by FPL in Okeechobee
County, Florida, to the Public Service Commission as a preferred sight for the location of a
natural gas power plant; and
WHEREAS, there would be tremendous economic impact and benefit to our community should the
Okeechobee site be developed; and
WHEREAS, a natural gas power plant is an excellent fit for Okeechobee's rural and agricultural
community and the property is already zoned appropriately; and
WHEREAS, the taxpayers' in our community would benefit from the reduced tax burden as school
related millage rates and county millage rates would be significantly reduced in light of new
revenue; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that 300 jobs would be created during the two -year construction period,
and up to 40 long -term operational positions created at the plant, would provide much - needed
employment opportunities to many Okeechobee residents; and
WHEREAS, making such a significant capital investment in Okeechobee would clearly exemplify
FPL's long -term commitment to partnering with the Okeechobee community during the life of
the plant; and
WHEREAS, the Northeast Okeechobee County preferred site is in close proximity to the Florida
Southeast Connection Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline proposed route; and
WHEREAS, the Okeechobee site is geographically located close to 60 percent of FPL's main
customer base in South Florida which would reduce transmission losses; and
WHEREAS, the size of the Okeechobee property (2,800 acres), allows ample buffering for the plant
and provides space for expansion to meet the future generation needs of FPL; and
WHEREAS, State Road 60 is part of FDOT's Strategic Intermodel Highway System, providing
adequate transportation and accessibility for the Okeechobee site; and
WHEREAS, due to Okeechobee's relatively small size, we are able to respond to the planning needs
and projected FPL timeline and to expedite the permitting process; and
WHEREAS, Okeechobee County would allocate a portion of its Enterprise Zone to the Okeechobee
site to provide tax benefits to FPL; and
N.,► WHEREAS, this would be a mutually beneficial partnership between FPL and the citizens of the City
of Okeechobee, and Okeechobee County, Florida.
Resolution No. 2014 -06 Page 1 of 2
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved before the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida;
presented at a duly advertised public meeting; and passed by majority vote of the City Council;
and properly executed by the Mayor or designee, as Chief Presiding Officer for the City, that:
SECTION 1. The City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida, does hereby support and
advocate for the placement of a natural gas -fired power generation plant on the
Florida Power and Light Northeast Okeechobee County preferred site and that"
is hereby resolved that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of
Okeechobee, Florida.
SECTION 2. Conflict. All Resolution or parts of Resolutions in conflict herewith are hereby
repealed.
SECTION 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of
this Resolution, or application thereof shall for any reason be held invalid or
unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion or provision
and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions or
applications here.
SECTION 4. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED in regular session this 15th day of July, 2014.
ATTEST:
0/Q4.6._
Lane Gamiotea; CMC, City Clerk
REVIEWED FOR LEGA SUFFICIENCY:
John R. Cook, ttorney
Resolution No. 2014 -06 Page 2 of 2
James E. Kirk, Mayor