December 22, 2008

ISSUE 1249

The Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District on Dec. 16 narrowly approved a plan for U.S. Sugar to sell 180,000 acres of land to the state.

The land purchase is intended to re-establish a part of the natural connection between Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. The St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers and estuaries would also benefit from the land purchase.

SFWMD did add an amendment that would make it easier for the district to back out of the deal for financial reasons before it closes next September. Many hurdles remain besides financing, including whether Florida Crystals would consider playing a role in the project.