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Governors

Groundbreaking Milestone in Everglades Restoration

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Governor Ron DeSantis marked the official groundbreaking of the Blue Shanty Flow Way project, a crucial step in restoring the Everglades by ensuring more water flows from the EAA Reservoir into Everglades National Park and Florida Bay. This project, facilitated through a landmark agreement between the State of Florida and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will expedite Everglades restoration using federal funds and state expertise.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Blue Shanty Flow Way project, a 8.5-mile levee and removal of older levees, is the final project to "uncork" Tamiami Trail under the Central Everglades Planning Project.
  • The project aims to restore a more natural and historic flow of clean water south, improving habitat for fish, birds, and other Everglades wildlife, and supporting outdoor recreation and ecotourism.
  • The agreement between Florida and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers accelerates the restoration of the America's Everglades, with the state assuming responsibility for the Blue Shanty Flow Way, which is expected to be completed about two years faster than planned.
  • The state has invested nearly $8 billion in Everglades restoration since 2019, exceeding the previous administration's investment in 12 years combined.
  • Over 75 restoration projects have been completed or launched since 2019, with nutrient reductions totaling over 1.8 million lbs. of nitrogen and 770,000 lbs. of phosphorous annually.
  • South Florida's water storage capacity has tripled to 176 billion gallons, with the C-44 reservoir, C-43 reservoir, and EAA Reservoir nearing completion or projected for completion by 2029.

Statistics:

  • 8.5 miles: The length of the new Blue Shanty Levee
  • 370,000-acre-feet: The average amount of additional water that will flow from Lake Okeechobee to the Central Everglades each year
  • $2.5 billion: The amount invested in water quality and Everglades projects in the first four years of Governor DeSantis' administration
  • $3.3 billion: The amount invested in water quality and Everglades projects in Governor DeSantis' first term
  • $1.4 billion: The amount included in this year's Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget for Everglades restoration
  • $4.6 billion: The total amount invested in the first three years of Governor DeSantis' second term
  • $8 billion: The total amount invested in Everglades restoration since 2019
  • 75+: The number of restoration projects completed or launched since 2019
  • 1.8 million lbs.: The annual reduction in nitrogen
  • 770,000 lbs.: The annual reduction in phosphorous
  • 176 billion gallons: The current water storage capacity in South Florida

Sources:

  • [Florida Department of Environmental Protection, "Governor Ron DeSantis Marks Groundbreaking of Blue Shanty Flow Way Project"]
  • [U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, "Landmark Agreement Signed to Accelerate Everglades Restoration"]
  • [Executive Order 19-12]
  • [Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget]

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