In 2008, the State of Florida agreed to buy U.S. Sugar and all of its manufacturing and production facilities for an estimated $1.7 billion.[183] Florida officials indicated they intended to allow U.S. Sugar to process for six more years before dismissing its employees and dismantling the plant. The area, which includes 187,000 acres (760 km2) of land, would then be rehabilitated and water flow from Lake Okeechobee would be restored.[183] In November 2008, the agreement was revised to offer $1.34 billion, allowing sugar mills in Clewiston to remain in production.[184] Critics of the revised plan say that it ensures sugarcane will be grown in the Everglades for at least another decade.[185] Further research is being done to address the continuing production of sugarcane in the Everglades to minimize phosphorus runoff.[186]