Secretive Multi-State Deal Over Water Rights Rejects Openness

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Officials from Alabama, Florida and Georgia signed a confidentiality agreement with federal officials and two private utilities about ongoing negotiations over water rights. Many across the region, including local seafood industry workers and environmental protection groups, believe they are being denied information and any leverage in negotiations. The Franklin County Oyster & Seafood Task Force obtained a copy of the agreement through an open records request and has asked the state’s open government commission to throw the secrecy deal out. (2/20/08)