Converted
03-10-2005, 12:40 PM
WATER MANAGERS CONTINUE AGGRESSIVE LAND ACQUISTION PACE
FOR EVERGLADES RESTORATION
Governing Board approves $20.5 million land purchase for
Indian River Lagoon reservoir, natural storage area
The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board today unanimously authorized the acquisition of approximately 1,245 acres in St. Lucie County for $20.5 million — 14 percent less than the appraised value — for two Indian River Lagoon South Restoration Project components: The land willl be used in conjunction with other properties acquired for construction of the C-23/24 South Reservoir and the Cypress Creek/Trail Ridge Natural Storage and Water Quality Area.
"The District's steadfast commitment to continue the momentum to move forward with critical land purchases for Everglades restoration is demonstrated once again in acquiring this property," said Governing Board Member Lennart E. Lindahl. "I commend our real estate staff and thank the seller, Open Range Ranchettes, for completing this significant acquisition."
The Indian River Lagoon South Restoration Project is part of the $8 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, a joint state-federal effort to restore and revitalize the greater Everglades ecosystem.
The C-23/24 South Reservoir is one of four above-ground reservoirs planned in Martin and St. Lucie counties to capture water from the C-23, C-24, C-25 and C-44 (St. Lucie Canal) canals. Collectively, these reservoirs will provide storage for billions of gallons of water, greatly reducing the need to send large volumes of fresh water caused by stormwater runoff to the brackish lagoon through the C-23, 24, 25 and 44 canals. The C-44 (St. Lucie Canal) Reservoir is one of the eight Everglades restoration projects identified for accelerated construction under the Acceler8 program.
The Cypress Creek/Trail Ridge Natural Storage and Water Quality Area will hold billions of gallons of water and will provide increased wetland and upland habitat for wildlife.
FOR EVERGLADES RESTORATION
Governing Board approves $20.5 million land purchase for
Indian River Lagoon reservoir, natural storage area
The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board today unanimously authorized the acquisition of approximately 1,245 acres in St. Lucie County for $20.5 million — 14 percent less than the appraised value — for two Indian River Lagoon South Restoration Project components: The land willl be used in conjunction with other properties acquired for construction of the C-23/24 South Reservoir and the Cypress Creek/Trail Ridge Natural Storage and Water Quality Area.
"The District's steadfast commitment to continue the momentum to move forward with critical land purchases for Everglades restoration is demonstrated once again in acquiring this property," said Governing Board Member Lennart E. Lindahl. "I commend our real estate staff and thank the seller, Open Range Ranchettes, for completing this significant acquisition."
The Indian River Lagoon South Restoration Project is part of the $8 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, a joint state-federal effort to restore and revitalize the greater Everglades ecosystem.
The C-23/24 South Reservoir is one of four above-ground reservoirs planned in Martin and St. Lucie counties to capture water from the C-23, C-24, C-25 and C-44 (St. Lucie Canal) canals. Collectively, these reservoirs will provide storage for billions of gallons of water, greatly reducing the need to send large volumes of fresh water caused by stormwater runoff to the brackish lagoon through the C-23, 24, 25 and 44 canals. The C-44 (St. Lucie Canal) Reservoir is one of the eight Everglades restoration projects identified for accelerated construction under the Acceler8 program.
The Cypress Creek/Trail Ridge Natural Storage and Water Quality Area will hold billions of gallons of water and will provide increased wetland and upland habitat for wildlife.