WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A state financial consultant is questioning whether Florida's multimillion-dollar plan to buy land from U.S. Sugar Corp. for Everglades restoration remains affordable.
In a Feb. 17 letter to the South Florida Water Management District's chief financial officer, the consultant warns the district has difficult "financial decisions." He says projections show deficits in 2011 and 2012 of $89 million and $110 million, respectively, if the sugar deal goes through.
The deal is set to go before the Florida Supreme Court next month after opponents argued the $536 million plan to buy 73,000 acres of farmland is an irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars.
The district overseas Everglades restoration and flood control in South Florida. The agency says it is reviewing options.
