Local governments; informational public meetings.

(1) Local governments may hold informational public meetings in addition to the hearings specifically authorized by ss. 403.9401-403.9425 on any matter associated with the natural gas transmission pipeline siting proceeding. Such informational public meetings should be held no later than 80 days after the complete application is filed. The purpose of an informational public meeting is for the local government to further inform the public about the natural gas transmission pipeline proposed, obtain comments from the public, and formulate its recommendation with respect to the proposed natural gas transmission pipeline. Neither the meetings held nor the recommendations made by the local government pursuant to this section shall address the need for the pipeline.

(2) Informational public meetings shall be held solely at the option of each local government. It is the legislative intent that local governments attempt to hold such public meetings. Parties to the proceedings under ss. 403.9401-403.9425 shall be encouraged to attend; however, no party shall be required to attend such informational public meetings.

(3) The failure to hold an informational public meeting or the procedure used for the informational public meeting shall not be grounds for the alteration of any time limitation in ss. 403.9401-403.9425 pursuant to s. 403.9414 or grounds to deny or condition certification.