WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Environmental Leaders Applaud the State of Florida and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Signing First-of-a-Kind Agreement to Expedite Everglades Restoration

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. - This week, the South Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed a first-of-a-kind agreement to advance construction of key Everglades restoration projects in South Florida.

This agreement ensures federal funding will go to the State of Florida for key projects that will line up with the completion of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2029. These key projects include the state construction of the final EAA Reservoir component (a seepage management pump station) and the Blue Shanty Flow Way Project, which unlocks a vital system to deliver more clean water south across Tamiami Trail and Florida Bay. The signing took place at the Blue Shanty Flow Way Construction Site with many federal, state and local officials in attendance.

Here's what leaders and stakeholders are saying: 

"Florida and the South Florida Water Management District is one of the most capable non-federal sponsors we work with anywhere in the country," said D. Lee Forsgren, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. "It's only fitting that we leverage our partnership to enable them to deliver these key portions of Everglades restoration, so we can get to Building Infrastructure Not Paperwork, and realize the benefits of the EAA Reservoir and Blue Shanty Flow Way years ahead of schedule."

"We are again putting into action our commitment to accelerate Everglades restoration by improving coordination, reducing duplication and focusing our collective efforts on delivering results," said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. "Advancing the final component of construction of the EAA Reservoir and the Blue Shanty Flow Way will ensure the system is ready to send more clean water south when the reservoir is completed ahead of schedule in 2029."

"This Project Partnership Agreement is a testament to what we can accomplish through state and federal coordination," said Rep. Lauren Melo. "By advancing construction of the seepage management pump station and the Blue Shanty Flow Way Project, we are restoring the Everglades for generations to come - and in turn, protecting our water supply, ecosystems and way of life."

"This milestone reflects the power of partnership and a shared commitment to restoring America's Everglades," said Pedro Ramos, Superintendent of Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks. "Together, we are accelerating projects that will restore natural water flow, strengthen habitats, and deliver lasting benefits to Everglades National Park and South Florida."

"One year after the historic agreement to fast-track the EAA Reservoir, we celebrate this true partnership delivering results. By advancing the Reservoir and the Blue Shanty Flow Way in tandem, the state and federal governments are ensuring that vital components of the Central Everglades Planning Project will be ready to send clean freshwater south to Everglades National Park and Florida Bay," said Eric Eikenberg, Chief Executive Officer at The Everglades Foundation. "These projects further enhance ecosystem benefits by reducing harmful discharges to our coastal estuaries and protecting the drinking water supply for millions of Floridians. Today further underscores that when strong state and federal leadership work together, America's Everglades and Florida's clean water economy both come out ahead."

"This is an exciting day proving that partnership and collaboration between the State of Florida and federal government yields meaningful benefits for Floridians and America's Everglades," said Anna Upton, CEO of the Everglades Trust. "The Everglades are a natural treasure that are the source of water for South Florida, a popular tourist destination, and critical habitat for many threatened and endangered species. Completing projects faster not only delivers benefits sooner, but it is a good investment that saves money in the long run. Every dollar invested in Everglades restoration yields a $4 return."

"Expediting the Central Everglades Planning Project is key to restoring the flow of water south through Everglades National Park to Florida Bay for the health of South Florida and our fisheries and coastal ecosystems," said Jim McDuffie, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust's president and CEO. "Bonefish & Tarpon Trust is grateful for the cooperative leadership of the USACE and SFWMD to continue to find ways to move priority projects forward and achieve restoration benefits more quickly."

"By advancing the Blue Shanty Flow Way now, the State is ensuring the system is ready to send more clean water south as the Corps completes the EAA Reservoir," said Julie Wraithmell, VP & Executive Director, Audubon Florida. "Audubon appreciates the long-term partnership and coordination between the State and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that continue to move Everglades restoration forward."

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Download High Resolution Photos from the Signing Ceremony for a First-of-a-Kind Agreement to Expedite Everglades Restoration