161.088  Declaration of public policy respecting beach erosion control and beach restoration and renourishment projects.--Because beach erosion is a serious menace to the economy and general welfare of the people of this state and has advanced to emergency proportions, it is hereby declared to be a necessary governmental responsibility to properly manage and protect Florida beaches from erosion and that the Legislature make provision for beach restoration and renourishment projects. The Legislature declares that such beach restoration and renourishment projects, as approved pursuant to s. 161.161, are in the public interest. Given the extent of the problem of critically eroding beaches, it is also declared that beach restoration and renourishment projects shall be funded in a manner that encourages all cost-saving strategies, fosters regional coordination of projects, improves the performance of projects, and provides long-term solutions. The Legislature further declares that nothing herein is intended to reduce or amend the beach protection programs otherwise established in this chapter or to result in local governments altering the coastal management elements of their local government comprehensive plans pursuant to chapter 163.