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November 17, 2008

ISSUE 1245

EVERGLADES DEAL MODIFIED, ADDITIONAL CLEANUP COSTS ANTICIPATED

A state-commissioned study has concluded that the proposed massive Everglades buyout and cleanup effort could cost up to $119 million more than anticipated.

The study, announced Nov. 13, said that more than 85,000 acres could require extensive decontamination. U.S. Sugar would pay a portion of that amount, with the rest coming from the South Florida Water Management District.

A modified deal announced earlier would allow U.S. Sugar to maintain ownership of its mill, railroads and citrus processing plant and continuing to produce sugar on land it would lease from the state for at least seven years.

SFWMD plans to issue bonds to cover the cost of the land and the restoration efforts. A final plan is expected before the end of the year.