Florida lawmakers sour on Big Sugar land deal to aid Everglades

Will billions in voter-supported conservation funds help save the Everglades? It is a question being asked by an overwhelming group of Florida voters who supported Amendment 1 in last year’s election only to see their wishes ignored by politicians in Tallahassee.

After its approval, Floridians rejoiced because they were convinced the future of the state’s most valuable resource – water – had been assured. Amendment 1 was dubbed by some as the biggest conservation ballot initiative in U.S. history, and it was passed to help restore the Everglades. But despite the public support and a big pot of money, a major conservation land deal is in jeopardy. Joie Chen explores the political interests and Big Sugar money fueling the fight over the renowned tropical wetlands’ future.

(From AlJazeera America)