The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has approved two new projects aimed at accelerating the flow of clean water southward, a priority for the region. The Governing Board's unanimous decision includes taking over construction of a key feature in the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) South, known as the S-355 West structure. This initiative is expected to facilitate the Blue Shanty Flow way, restoring water balance between the Central Everglades, Everglades National Park, and Florida Bay. Construction is set to begin in 2025.
Additionally, efforts are being made to address delays in Everglades restoration due to the management of the endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow. An interagency conservation breeding program is being supported by SFWMD to aid in this species' recovery while continuing restoration work.
"Governor DeSantis charged us with the task of expediting Everglades restoration projects, and this is another key step forward," said Chauncey Goss, Chairman of SFWMD Governing Board. He highlighted ongoing projects under Governor DeSantis's leadership that aim to direct more water southward.
Col. Brandon Bowman from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District commended SFWMD for leading on constructing essential features like the S-355 West structure and protecting endangered species such as the Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow.
Alexis A. Lambert from Florida's Department of Environmental Protection emphasized using all available tools for progress: "With today’s approval... we are taking significant steps to send more clean water south."
Talbert Cypress from the Miccosukee Tribe expressed optimism about improved drainage on Tribal lands and hoped for better integration between environmental management and cultural preservation.
Roger Young from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission praised both infrastructure developments and conservation programs as critical steps toward long-term ecological health.
Andrew Walker from Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida noted that current plans will accelerate hydrological restoration while supporting diverse wildlife.
Julie Wraithmell from Audubon Florida lauded seed funding for sparrow conservation breeding: "Saving this species... will be a race against time - but today there is a brighter outlook."
Eric Eikenberg from The Everglades Foundation underscored coordination between federal-state partnerships: "The S-355W gated spillway... will maximize CEPP benefits by enhancing flow through Blue Shanty Flow way."
Florida remains at the forefront of ecosystem restoration with significant progress on priority projects like the EAA Reservoir Project and others since 2019.