Major Water Management Project Kicks Off in Glades County
Pictured from L-R: City of LaBelle Commissioner Bobbie Spratt, City of LaBelle Commissioner Jackie Ratica, Glades County Commissioner Hattie Taylor, SFWMD Governing Board Member Ben Butler, Glades County Chairman Tim Stanley, SFWMD Governing Board Member Charlette Roman, SFWMD Executive Director Drew Bartlett, Audubon Florida Paul Gray, Glades County Commissioner Jeff Barnes, Glades County Commissioner Jeff Patterson, DEP Deputy Secretary Adam Blalock and Glades County School Board Member Kimberly Clement
MOORE HAVEN, FL — The collaborative efforts of the South Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and local authorities have marked a significant milestone with the ground-breaking of the second phase of the Lake Hicpochee Project. This initiative is a crucial component of enhancing water infrastructure under the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program.
Aimed at mitigating the adverse effects on the Caloosahatchee Estuary, the project promises to offer improved water quality and additional storage solutions. The expansion is expected to bolster the region’s environmental resilience.
“I grew up in Florida and the community here is very important to me. I am very invested in the future of our heartland, the future of our children and grandchildren, and I want them to be able to enjoy South Florida like I do,” said Ben Butler, South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member. “We live, work and recreate here, so investing in our environment and water management infrastructure is vital to maintaining our quality of life in the State of Florida. Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, we continue to have historic progress and momentum to conserve our natural resources and protect our waterways. I also greatly appreciate our hard-working staff at the District who routinely advance important projects that support our mission.”
Highlighting the project’s significance, Adam Blalock, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary for Ecosystem Restoration, commented, “The expansion of this project is critical because it improves water quality and expands water storage in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. The State of Florida continues to make record investments to protect our natural resources and preserve our way of life.”
Historically, Lake Hicpochee was among the key headwaters of the Caloosahatchee River. However, modifications to the river’s course in the 1800s, including its connection to Lake Okeechobee, disrupted the area’s natural water flow and ecology. The first phase of the Lake Hicpochee Project, completed in 2021, addressed some of these issues with the creation of a flow equalization basin and a pump station.
Building on the initial phase, the current expansion will introduce several enhancements:
- Construction of an additional 2,200-acre flow equalization basin
- Development of a new pump station equipped with three 75 cfs pumps
- Installation of two new water control structures
- Increase in water storage capacity to 9,300 acre-feet
The full completion of this phase is anticipated by 2028, marking another achievement in Florida’s broader efforts for Everglades restoration. Since 2019, the state has made significant progress on over 75 restoration projects, underscoring its commitment to environmental conservation.
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