Government Digest

Utility project off again
CAPE CORAL — A proposed $77 million utility expansion was voted down by the City Council 4-3 on Aug. 31. Affecting about 6,200 residents, the project would have provided water, sewer and irrigation utilities costing about $17,000 for an average two-lot parcel. Tens of thousands of lots are only served by wells and septic systems in a city with 350,000 lots. The council has changed its vote five times in the last year, ultimately deciding that economic conditions warranted deferring the project to a future council. The primary election for three council seats and the mayor's seat is Sept. 15.

Gambling deal signed
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Charlie Crist signed a compact Aug. 31 on behalf of the state with the Seminole Tribe of Florida worth an estimated $6.8 billion over 20 years authorizing Class III gaming on tribal lands within the state.

The compact now goes to the Legislature for ratification during the October special session. The first $150 million payment would be due Dec. 1, 2010 while the final payment of $501.9 million would be due Dec. 1, 2029.