Statement by GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST Regarding the Validation of Certificates of Participation for the River of Grass Acquisition

?I applaud the Court?s ruling in favor of the validation of Certificates of Participation by the South Florida Water Management District. Acquiring the 73,000 acres within the Everglades Agricultural Area provides restoration opportunities in the Everglades that once seemed out of reach.

?As the District moves forward in the acquisition process, I am confident that they will do so in a financially responsible manner. The Court?s decision recognizes the monumental outcome the transaction will have on the restoration of America?s Everglades, and the benefits it will provide the environment, the economy and the people of South Florida.

?Today represents another step forward in achieving this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for achieving restoration of the River of Grass.?

Statement from DEP SECRETARY MICHAEL W. SOLE Regarding the Validation of Certificates of Participation for the River of Grass Acquisition

?The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is pleased by the Court?s decision to validate the authority of the South Florida Water Management District to issue Certificates of Participation. The authority now allows Florida to move forward with the historic River of Grass land acquisition.

?This acquisition of 73,000 acres in the Everglades Agricultural Area has the potential to provide immeasurable benefits to restoration. The acquisition will be an extraordinary complement to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, allowing us to improve the supply and quality of water for South Florida, restore a more natural flow of water to the ecosystem, provide flood control and protect the habitats of the ecosystem?s wildlife.

?We look forward to continuing our work with the District as well as our federal and local partners on this amazing endeavor.?