Governor Ron DeSantis announced a significant agreement between the State of Florida and the U.S. Department of the Army to expedite the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The agreement allows Florida to lead key components, including the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir.
“A long-awaited project, first envisioned and authorized decades ago, is finally becoming a reality. The EAA Reservoir is not only fully funded and under construction — it’s moving forward faster than expected, thanks to new state and federal cooperation,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The completed EAA Reservoir will deliver major benefits for Florida’s coastal communities, fishermen, tourism industry, and our unique natural environment that we’re conserving for generations to come.”
The EAA Reservoir aims to store over 78 billion gallons of water and provide up to 470 billion gallons of clean water annually. It also supports South Florida’s primary drinking water source, the Biscayne Aquifer.
“The Army is thrilled to sign this agreement with the state of Florida emphasizing use of leveraging authorities to propel faster project delivery by delegating work to the state of Florida. By strengthening our partnership with the state of Florida, we’re building on the historic commitment in President Trump’s FY26 budget to expedite work on Everglades Restoration,” stated Mr. Lee Forsgren, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works).
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert emphasized Floridians’ understanding and commitment: “Floridians understand the Everglades better than anyone else. We live, work and recreate here, and we are committed to the land and water that sustains us.”
The agreement accelerates construction timelines by five years from 2034 to 2029 for various projects within CERP. It authorizes Florida to construct essential features like inflow/outflow pump stations while managing future projects through expedited permitting.
Since 2019, several restoration efforts have been completed ahead of schedule under Florida’s leadership:
– The C-43 Reservoir now operational
– Completion of C-44 Reservoir
– S-333 Expansion
– Old Tamiami Trail Removal
These initiatives have improved freshwater flow significantly.
Despite previous delays under federal management during Biden Administration due partly due delays from Interior Department leadership; today’s formal signing highlights a shared commitment towards efficient restoration efforts by both parties involved.
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