Florida Tech To Host Indian River Lagoon Briefing For Posey

By  //  January 15, 2014

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — In response to the pressing issues of the health of the Indian River Lagoon, Florida Tech established the Indian River Lagoon Research Institute (IRLRI) last fall.

U.S. Rep. Bill Posey
U.S. Rep. Bill Posey

Florida Tech scientists will brief Congressman Bill Posey regarding their findings and recommendations for next steps. The briefing is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Harris Center for Science and Engineering, third-floor conference room, Florida Tech campus, 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne.

Dignitaries in attendance will include Dr. Anthony J. Catanese, President and CEO, Florida Tech, Mr. Frank Kinney, Vice President for Research, Florida Tech, Dr. Robert Weaver, IRLRI Director, Dr. Kevin Johnson, IRLRI Researcher.

In a statement released to Space Coast Daily, Congressman Posey commented on the upcoming briefing.

“Our Lagoon greatly enhances our quality of life, is important for our economy, and provides exciting recreational opportunities,” Posey said. “Our Lagoon is facing some significant challenges to its health which need to be studied and addressed. I am pleased that many in our community are stepping up to the plate to address these needs to provide near-term and long-term solutions to restore our Lagoon.

“FIT is taking significant steps to dedicate the University’s expertise to addressing these needs and we are fortunate to have their commitment to this important cause. I’m looking forward to Florida Tech’s report on the health of our Indian River Lagoon. Truly some of the brightest Americans live right here in our community and can be instrumental in helping local leaders understand the Lagoon’s challenges and formulate a local response that addresses our Lagoon’s most critical needs.”

ABOUT THE IRLRI: The IRLRI is a collaboration of the university’s scientists, engineers, coastal resource managers and educators, working independently and with community organizations to improve and sustain the health of the Indian River Lagoon. Florida Tech has conducted lagoon research for more than 30 years. The new institute has access to state-of-the-art laboratories and field sites for chemical and biological testing and for designing and developing engineering solutions to lagoon problems. Members of the media are encouraged to attend this briefing.