At the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board meeting last week in Clewiston, Audubon unearthed an issue of fairness and the responsible use of SFWMD funds.
Tucked away in the Consent Agenda, there was an amended lease for New Hope Sugar Company and Okeelanta Corporation, owned by Florida Crystals. The price per acre for Florida Crystals to pay for a total of 1,713 acres in the Everglades Agricultural Area was only $61, a rate much lower than US Sugar’s Lease rate of $150 per acre. This would deprive the district of about $1.2 million in funds, funds that could be used towards Everglades restoration projects.
Audubon requested the item be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion.
"The district really should be vigilant to be sure it's getting a fair deal for leases like this,” said Jane Graham of Audubon of Florida, quoted in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
After deliberation and discussion, the Governing Board decided to go ahead with the lease. However, Sheryl Wood, General Counsel of the SFWMD explained that the option was left open for the district to get out of the contract if US Sugar or another bidder came forward with a better offer. While this would expose the other bidder to tortuous interference with a contract, it would not expose the SFWMD to liability.
In light of the discussion, Ken Ammon asked if the Governing Board would be interested in changing their leasing policy. Governing Board members were interested. As a response, the leasing policy will be brought to the SFWMD Governing Board Projects and Lands Committee for a full discussion as to whether the SFWMD has a sound and consistent leasing policy.
Audubon will attend upcoming Projects and Lands Committee meetings, advocating for a consistent leasing policy that puts the needs of Everglades restoration and the environment first.
Check back to Audubon of Florida News often for the latest on this important issue. Press Coverage of this event can be found in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Palm Beach Post.
