Groundbreaking of Blue Shanty Flow Way Commences Under New Everglades Restoration Agreement
This project is the first to break ground under Florida’s new Everglades restoration acceleration agreement with the U.S. Department of the Army
The first milestone under a new agreement for the accelerated restoration of the Everglades was marked yesterday as Governor Ron DeSantis officially initiated the groundbreaking of the Blue Shanty Flow Way project in Miami-Dade County. This development is a significant step towards directing more water to the Everglades National Park and Florida Bay upon the completion of the EAA Reservoir.
Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the significance of this project in a statement: “We are acting on our historic agreement with the Trump Administration to expedite Everglades restoration using federal funds and state expertise. Today’s groundbreaking on the Blue Shanty Flow Way project in Miami-Dade County is a milestone in our Everglades restoration efforts, building on our many previous conservation actions.”
This project is the first since Florida and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed a new landmark agreement on July 18, 2025, designed to speed up the restoration of America’s Everglades. Florida has taken responsibility for the Blue Shanty Flow Way, aiming to complete it two years earlier than initially planned.
The Blue Shanty Flow Way is a crucial component of the Central Everglades Planning Project, part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. It includes the construction of an 8.5-mile Blue Shanty Levee and the removal of old levees to facilitate the natural flow of water.
The project promises several benefits, such as:
- Restoration of the natural and historic flow of clean water south.
- Enhanced habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife.
- Support for outdoor recreation and ecotourism.
- Strengthened connection between the Central Everglades and Florida Bay.
Alexis A. Lambert, DEP Secretary, remarked, “With every project, from reservoirs to flow ways, we are delivering real results on time, under budget and with strong returns for Florida’s taxpayers. Alongside our federal partners, state leadership and communities, we will continue driving restoration projects forward.”
Governor DeSantis has prioritized Everglades restoration and water quality improvements since taking office. His administration has directed $2.5 billion over four years through Executive Order 19-12, surpassing the goal with $3.3 billion in investments during his first term.
In the ongoing second term, with $1.4 billion allocated in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget, Florida is on track to exceed the $3.5 billion target for the second term. Since 2019, nearly $8 billion has been committed to Everglades restoration and water quality.
Florida’s investment in these initiatives has led to notable achievements:
- Completion or launch of over 75 restoration projects since 2019, more than any prior administration.
- Annual nutrient reductions of over 1.8 million lbs. of nitrogen and 770,000 lbs. of phosphorus.
- Tripled water storage capacity in South Florida, now at 176 billion gallons.
- Completion of the C-44 and C-43 reservoirs, with the EAA Reservoir expected to be finished by 2029.
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