Florida’s Everglades Restoration Accelerates with Full Execution of EAA Reservoir Contracts
SOUTH BAY, Fla. — In a significant leap forward for Everglades restoration, Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, revealed that all federally funded contracts for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir have been finalized. This pivotal development promises to hasten progress on this essential project.
Governor DeSantis expressed his pride, stating, “Today, alongside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, I was proud to announce that all federally funded contracts have been executed to expedite completion of the EAA Reservoir by 2029, five years ahead of the original timeline.” The Governor highlighted the July 2025 agreement between Florida and the federal government, which streamlined processes to fast-track this project, describing it as a notable win for Everglades restoration efforts.
Adam Telle, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, lauded the initiative, remarking that “Today will mark the day that President Trump cemented his legacy as The Everglades President, and Governor DeSantis as The Everglades Governor.” Telle emphasized the project’s significance as a modern American mega-project made possible through strong partnerships and leadership.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert emphasized collaborative efforts, stating, “Everglades restoration is one of the most complex ecosystem efforts in the world, and progress like this only happens when we come together with a shared focus on solutions.”
With the Army Corps confirming the execution of all necessary federally managed contracts, the project is on target for completion by 2029. This announcement builds on a 2025 Memorandum of Understanding that empowered Florida to spearhead key components of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).
- Construction timelines for the EAA Reservoir have been accelerated by five years.
- Florida has taken the lead on key project components while coordinating closely with the Army Corps.
- Critical infrastructure, including an inflow pump station with a 3 billion gallons per day capacity, is underway.
- Agreements for the outflow pump station are progressing rapidly.
Additionally, Florida has assumed responsibility for the Blue Shanty Flow Way project, which will facilitate water movement into Everglades National Park and Florida Bay. Commencement of this project occurred promptly, significantly reducing costs.
The EAA Reservoir is set to become a cornerstone of Everglades restoration, aiding in water movement, aquifer recharge, and restoring the natural flow of the “River of Grass.”
Historic Investment in Florida’s Everglades
Governor DeSantis has made Everglades restoration a priority, securing nearly $8 billion since taking office:
- $3.3 billion during his first term
- $4.6 billion in the first three years of his second term
These investments have significantly increased water storage capacity in South Florida, contributing to environmental improvements such as Florida Bay meeting salinity targets for the first time in decades. The Governor’s proposed 2026 budget includes an additional $1.4 billion, bringing the total to $9.5 billion.
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