Florida: Governor Ron DeSantis Celebrates Continued Everglades Restoration Projects
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~ Miami-Dade County, Florida - Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis joined state and federal officials to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Blue Shanty Flow Way project, a crucial step in the restoration of the Everglades. This project marks the first to break ground under Florida's new Everglades restoration acceleration agreement with the U.S. Department of the Army.

The Blue Shanty Flow Way project is a significant milestone in restoring the natural flow of water from Lake Okeechobee to Everglades National Park and Florida Bay. "We are acting on our historic agreement with the Trump Administration to expedite Everglades restoration using federal funds and state expertise," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "Today's groundbreaking is a testament to our commitment to preserving this unique ecosystem for future generations."

This event marks the first since Florida and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed a new landmark agreement on July 18, 2025, to accelerate the restoration of America's Everglades. Under this new agreement, Florida has taken responsibility for the Blue Shanty Flow Way project and expects it to be completed two years ahead of schedule.

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The Blue Shanty Flow Way is part of the Central Everglades Planning Project, which aims to deliver an additional 370,000 acre-feet of water per year from Lake Okeechobee to the Central Everglades. This project includes building an 8.5-mile levee and removing older levees to allow for natural water flow.

The benefits of this project are numerous, including restoring a more natural flow of clean water south, improving habitat for wildlife, supporting outdoor recreation and ecotourism, and strengthening connections between different parts of the Everglades ecosystem.

"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," said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. "Together with our federal partners, state leadership, and local communities, we will continue to drive restoration projects forward."

Governor DeSantis has made restoring the Everglades and improving water quality a top priority since taking office. In his first term, he exceeded his goal of investing $2.5 billion over four years by committing $3.3 billion to water quality and Everglades projects. In his second term, he has continued this momentum by including $1.4 billion in this year's budget, bringing the total investment to $4.6 billion in just three years.

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These investments are already showing results, with over 75 restoration projects completed or launched since 2019 - more than any other administration in history. Nutrient reductions have also reached over 1.8 million pounds of nitrogen and 770,000 pounds of phosphorous annually, while South Florida's water storage capacity has tripled to 176 billion gallons.

The completion of the C-44 and C-43 reservoirs and the ongoing construction of the EAA Reservoir - known as the "crown jewel" of Everglades restoration - are further evidence of Florida's commitment to preserving this vital ecosystem.

With nearly $8 billion invested in Everglades restoration and water quality since 2019, Florida is on track to exceed Governor DeSantis' goal of investing $3.5 billion in his second term alone. This dedication to preserving the Everglades will ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy this unique natural wonder for years to come.

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