WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Florida's tanking economy may force the state to scale back its planned $1.34 billion purchase of 180,000 acres of farmland in the Everglades for restoration.
Florida had been working to secure financing so it can buy the land from U.S. Sugar Corp. But a person close to the negotiations tells The Associated Press the deal now calls for cutting the purchase to less than half the acreage, at less than half the cost. The individual wasn't authorized to release the details, so requested anonymity.
Gov. Charlie Crist's office did not return calls seeking comment Thursday. But he indicated on Wednesday that "the facts have changed" with the foundering economy and the deal might be altered. U.S. Sugar spokeswoman Judy Sanchez didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.
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