STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST REGARDING THE SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT’S VOTE TO EXTEND THE CONTRACT TO PURCHASE U.S. SUGAR LANDS

March 11, 2010

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GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394

“Today marks another significant step in the journey to truly save Florida’s Everglades. I applaud the courage of the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District for standing firm and acting in Florida’s best interest.

“Their unanimous vote to extend the contract has set us on a course that will change the history of Florida for the better. I thank the members for recognizing the enormous restoration potential this acquisition represents, and for their commitment to doing so without raising taxes.

“Every Floridian of this generation and future generations will benefit from restoring the natural flow of the River of Grass.”