DeSantis Announces Milestone for Everglades Reservoir Project

Governor touts finalized federal contracts for major environmental restoration effort.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:16am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, painterly depiction of a lone cypress tree standing in the shallow waters of the Everglades, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, cinematic mood.The Everglades, a fragile and iconic Florida landscape, stands at the center of the state's ongoing efforts to balance environmental restoration and economic development.Everglades Today

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Monday that all federally funded contracts for the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir project have been finalized, marking a significant milestone in the state's efforts to restore the Everglades ecosystem.

Why it matters

The Everglades is a unique and fragile natural environment that has faced numerous threats from development, agriculture, and climate change. This reservoir project is a key part of broader restoration efforts aimed at improving water quality, protecting wildlife habitats, and ensuring the long-term health of this iconic Florida landscape.

The details

The Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir is designed to store and treat water flowing into the Everglades, helping to reduce harmful algal blooms and improve the overall water quality. With the finalization of federal contracts, the project can now move forward with construction and implementation.

  • Governor DeSantis made the announcement on Monday, April 14, 2026.
  • The Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir project has been in development for several years as part of ongoing Everglades restoration efforts.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The current Governor of Florida, who has made Everglades restoration a key priority of his administration.

Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir

A major infrastructure project designed to store and treat water flowing into the Everglades, as part of broader efforts to restore the ecosystem.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is a major milestone in our efforts to restore and protect the Everglades, which is critical to Florida's environment, economy, and way of life.”

— Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida

What’s next

With the federal contracts finalized, the next step will be to begin construction on the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir project, which is expected to take several years to complete.

The takeaway

The finalization of federal contracts for the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir represents a significant step forward in Florida's ongoing efforts to restore and protect the Everglades, a unique and vital natural resource that is essential to the state's environment, economy, and way of life.