Tallahassee, Florida — Florida is unlikely to receive federal reimbursement for the $608 million construction cost of the immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” located in the Everglades, according to new court filings.
In a brief filed this week, U.S. Justice Department attorneys stated that any future federal funding would apply “only for operational costs – not construction or facility modification.” Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson wrote that there would be “no potential federal funding” for the facility’s design, siting, maintenance, or construction.
The filing is part of a lawsuit brought by Friends of the Everglades against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other federal officials, alleging the detention center was built without required environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act. Federal lawyers argue the law does not apply because no federal construction funds were obligated.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier acknowledged in a separate filing that the state assumed the financial risk. He wrote that Florida “took the risk” federal reimbursement might not materialize.
The filings contrast with earlier statements from Noem and Gov. Ron DeSantis suggesting FEMA funds would cover most costs.
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