A long-debated, newly controversial land deal needed to restore water flows to the Everglades is at risk after the regional water district tasked with Everglades restoration supports a plan by Gov. Rick Scott.
Andy Reid reports on a troubled land deal considered by environmentalists as central to ongoing efforts to restore the Florida Everglades: "Buying more Big Sugar land for Everglades restoration could cost taxpayers up to $700 million and slow other efforts to save Florida's River of Grass, South Florida water managers warned Thursday."
The South Florida Water Management District, which leads Everglades restoration projects, "opted to back current Everglades restoration plans and balked at supporting the land deal," according to Reid.
By "current plans," the article is referring to a $5 billion restoration plan proposed by Florida Governor Rick Scott in January. Jenny Staletovich reported on that proposal at the time it was announced.
Environmental groups, such as the Sierra Club, consider the land deal to be a critical measure for the restoration of the Everglades. Reid's coverage also includes details about the history of the land deal, which would have cost significantly less in multiple, earlier iterations. Now the deal has until October 2015 to win legislative approval or it will expire.
For more coverage on the current situation, see also another article by Jenny Staletovich covering the recent actions of the South Florida Water Management District.
FULL STORY: Water district balks at Everglades land deal
New Plan for Lake Okeechobee Targets Toxic Algae
The new Everglades strategy marks a “cultural shift” for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: rather than focusing primarily on flood control, the new plan seeks to balance the needs of the entire watershed, including limiting the spread of toxic algae.
The Consequences of Sea Level Rise in the Florida Everglades
In South Florida, much of the focus in dealing with seal level rise has been on pumps and property values. A strong case is emerging, however, for the protection of the natural environment of the Everglades.
No Bragging Rights for Passing the Infrastructure Act?
You'd think the passage of the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure act would convey bragging rights for Democratic congress members facing competitive midterm elections today. Ironically, Republicans who opposed the bill are taking credit.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.
What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.
Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie