My Fox Orlando

Fla. seeks 90-day court delay for Glades talks

January 24, 2012

http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/state_news/012412-Everglades-Restoration

MIAMI (AP) - The state of Florida is seeking a 90-day delay in any federal court action to allow time for negotiations on cleaning up the Everglades.

The request was made Monday in a motion filed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and South Florida Water Management District. A federal judge overseeing the case did not immediately rule.

Florida and federal agencies are negotiating over competing plans aimed at reducing the flow of phosphorous-laden fertilizer from sugar farms and other entities into the Everglades. Both plans involve construction of large marshes to filter the water.

The state's attorneys say the ongoing discussions are productive and could be interrupted by continued court litigation. The state has said its plan is less time-consuming and costly than one proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.