PURRE approves of purchase

Dec 23, 2008 1 min read

To the editor,

As a group of concerned citizens and business people determined to help

save South Florida’s estuaries and rivers, the PURRE Water Coalition is

pleased that the South Florida Water Management District has taken the

crucial first step. This is a move PURRE has been advocating for years for

the long-term benefit of Florida’s beloved waterways, its residents, its

economy and its businesses.

Much work remains to be done. No one thing will solve all of Florida’s

water problems, but this deal to purchase 180,000 acres in the Everglades

Agricultural Area from U.S. Sugar Corp. is the greatest hope we have to

undo, to the extent we can, the damage man has done to Florida’s natural

water systems. Acquiring this land is a must.

We are grateful to Gov. Charlie Crist and the South Florida Water Management District governing board for having the vision to say “yes” to such an innovative and bold idea even in the face of opposition.

Michael J. Valiquette

Chairman, PURRE Water Coalition Foundation