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SOME QUESTION STATE’S LAND PURCHASE
Friday, April 7th, 2006 -- 8:45 am
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
Some complaints have surfaced concerning the complex agreement announced last week in which former International Papers land was purchased in Forest, Marinette and Florence counties.
The state, a conservation group and two lumber interests were involved in the Wolf River Legacy Forest agreement. Wisconsin paid $33-million of the $84-million total purchase price.
But, local forest products interests claim the state excluded them.
“It was an attempt to exclude some parties from be able to purchase those properties,” claims Rick Degan of the Lakes States Lumber Association. “The infusion of state money was not offered to all parties in the negotiations.”
Some of the groups involved aren't as familiar with the Northwoods as local interests, Degan says.
“Family-owned operations that employ people and live in the local area (have) been excluded to the favor of investment firms from out of state that don’t necessarily have in mind the best interest of the people of Wisconsin,” Degan alleges.
Another source speaking to WXPR Radio in Rhinelander said the process was not an open competitive bid. The source called the deal a "blatant disregard" for forest products taxpayers in the area.
Ken Krall, WXPR Radio, provided information for this report.
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