The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), in collaboration with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, Seminole Tribe of Florida, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, marked the completion of construction on the C-139 Flow Equalization Basin Project. This milestone signifies the end of the construction phase for the Everglades Restoration Strategies Project.
Restoration Strategies was established in 2012 when Florida and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency agreed on new methods to enhance water quality in America's Everglades. The plan includes 13 projects with over 6,000 acres of constructed wetlands and more than 115,000 acre-feet of water storage aimed at improving water treatment and storage in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem.
"This is a massive achievement! Today, I was honored to join many of my colleagues to celebrate the completion of construction for the Everglades Restoration Strategies Project," said Chauncey Goss, Chairman of SFWMD Governing Board. He acknowledged Governor Ron DeSantis' leadership and support from Florida's Legislature as crucial factors in advancing these restoration efforts.
Talbert Cypress, Chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe, expressed appreciation for SFWMD's commitment to ecosystem obligations: "The Miccosukee Tribe...applauds [their] commitment...This project...are substantial steps towards fulfilling court-mandated obligation to improve water quality."
Tina Osceola from the Seminole Tribe highlighted their positive relationship with SFWMD: "It is through earnest and robust communication...that we stand together as another project reaches its completion."
Jeaneanne Gettle from EPA emphasized collaborative efforts over three decades: "Today we celebrate over 30 years of progress made in removing nutrients that are harmful to America’s Everglades."
Senator Jonathan Martin noted: "I am thankful to the Governor for prioritizing funding for this and many other water projects."
Adam Blalock from Florida DEP stated: "Thanks to leadership...we are proud to celebrate this major accomplishment...Another important piece...is now complete as we continue making progress on [the] largest ecosystem restoration effort in [the] world."
The C-139 Flow Equalization Basin Project serves as an 11,000 acre-foot reservoir controlling runoff flow into STA 5/6. This enhances nutrient removal before waters reach the Everglades.
Florida continues leading national ecosystem restoration efforts with ongoing priority projects such as EAA Reservoir Project and others.