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Court: State can buy land from U.S. Sugar for Everglades

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The Associated Press

Published: August 26, 2009

WEST PALM BEACH - A Palm Beach County judge has ruled that the state can move ahead with a planned $536 million deal to buy land from U.S. Sugar Corp. for Everglades restoration.

District Judge Donald Hafele says in his order Wednesday that the South Florida Water Management District proved the proposal has a "valid public purpose."

South Florida water managers plan to buy 73,000 acres of farmland from the company to construct reservoirs and water treatment marshes. The deal also leaves open the option for the state to purchase more land from the nation's largest cane sugar producer.

But U.S. Sugar's main rival, Florida Crystals, and the Miccosukee Indians had argued the deal was an irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars and could further delay Everglades restoration efforts.

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