Pasco Seeks State Funds For Ranch

By KEVIN WIATROWSKI The Tampa Tribune

Published: Aug 20, 2007

A version of this story previously ran in the Pasco Tribune.

GOWERS CORNER - Cross Bar Ranch moved a step closer last week to securing state funding that would keep the Pinellas County-owned wellfield in public hands.

"We've cleared the first hurdle," said Ron Daniel, director of Pasco County's environmental lands acquisition program.

Daniel was part of the team that appealed to state officials Thursday and Friday in Tallahassee to get Cross Bar Ranch considered for funding through Florida Forever.

The program uses state money to support the public purchase of environmentally significant land.

The state's Acquisition Restoration Council on Friday put Cross Bar on its list of candidates for funding.

State officials will visit the site in the coming months before deciding this year whether Cross Bar lands on the money list, Daniel said.

Pinellas officials have announced they intend to sell the 12,500-acre Cross Bar tract in north-central Pasco. Although they could sell to developers, Pinellas officials have said they want the land to remain undeveloped.

Pasco officials hope to preserve the property because of its links to wildlife habitat and wetlands in west and central Pasco, Daniel said.

Pinellas acquired the acreage in 1976 and 1989. At the time, Pinellas County paid $13 million. Pasco officials put the current value at $177.3 million.

Cross Bar is home to wells that contribute to the region's drinking water supply and are managed by Tampa Bay Water, which serves Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

Beyond the wells, large sections of Cross Bar Ranch could be developed should the property fall into private hands, Daniel said.

Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader, who attended Thursday's meeting with the state, said the purchase of Cross Bar Ranch won't be funded by the state or county alone. He expects a variety of players, including the Southwest Florida Water Management District, will be needed to make the deal fly.

"Whatever happens with Cross Bar Ranch is going to have to be a partnership with many partners," Schrader said.

Reporter Kevin Wiatrowski can be reached at (813) 948-4201 or kwiatrowski@tampatrib.com.