U.S. Sugar Deal Vote

SPECIAL FEATURE December 16, 2008
U.S. Sugar Deal Vote

Statement by:
Kirk Fordham, Chief Executive Officer, Everglades Foundation
Regarding the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board
U.S. Sugar deal vote
December 16, 2008

West Palm Beach – “The Everglades Foundation heartily applauds the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board for its decisive action on behalf of America’s Everglades restoration. The board clearly understands the critical importance of the land purchase and its long-term benefits capable of protecting one of the nation’s environmental treasures. Equally important is Florida’s economic well-being, which becomes increasingly more important as restoration progresses with its huge economic benefits.

“We remain optimistic that U.S. Sugar will favorably receive the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board’s counter offer to acquire critical acreage for comprehensive Everglades restoration.

“The Governing Board’s vote to purchase more than 180,000 acres marks one of the most significant milestones in the nearly 20-year effort toward restoring America’s Everglades to a more natural state. Thanks to Governor Charlie Crist’s bold vision, this decision means the way is finally clear for sweeping, dramatic improvements in water quality throughout the Everglades watershed from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay.

“We congratulate the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board for its stewardship of America’s most sensitive environmental region and for ensuring the economic future of the millions who live and work within it.”

http://www.evergladesfoundation.org/