Everglades Restoration Project Accelerates, Nearing Completion 5 Years Early

Florida and federal government partnership expedites critical environmental initiative

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:34pm

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A bold, geometric abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually illustrating the complex, interconnected systems of the Everglades ecosystem.A visually striking abstract representation of the intricate web of life and water flows that define the Everglades, a natural treasure being restored through a historic state-federal partnership.Everglades Today

The Everglades Restoration project, one of the most complex ecosystem rehabilitation efforts in the world, is on track to be completed five years ahead of the original schedule. Governor Ron DeSantis announced that all federally funded contracts have been executed, allowing the state to take the lead on various aspects of the restoration work and move the project forward more quickly.

Why it matters

The Everglades is a vital natural resource and ecosystem that provides water storage, flood control, and habitat for countless species of plants and animals. Accelerating the restoration efforts will have significant environmental and economic benefits for the state of Florida and the entire region.

The details

The Everglades Restoration project includes a 10,000-acre reservoir and a 6,500-acre stormwater treatment area. The Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir has a water storage capacity of over 78 billion gallons. Under Governor DeSantis, nearly $8 billion has been invested in Everglades restoration since 2019, tripling the water storage capacity in South Florida.

  • In 2025, the state of Florida and the federal government signed an agreement to expedite the restoration efforts.
  • The Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir is now expected to be completed by 2029, five years ahead of the original timeline.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida, who has prioritized Everglades restoration and secured significant funding for the project.

Alexis Lambert

The Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, who has described the Everglades Restoration as 'one of the most complex ecosystem efforts in the world'.

Adam Telle

The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, who praised the partnership between the federal government and the state of Florida in delivering this 'modern American mega-project'.

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What they’re saying

“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. This milestone brings us a step closer to delivering on our commitment to restore the Everglades.”

— Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida

“The Everglades Agricultural Area Restoration plan is truly a modern American mega-project, possible only under the leadership of President Trump and the 'Make America Beautiful Again' task force, along with our great partnerships with Governor DeSantis and the South Florida Water Management District.”

— Adam Telle, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works

What’s next

The Florida Legislature is expected to tackle budget negotiations during a special session this month, which will determine the additional $1.4 billion in funding proposed by Governor DeSantis for the Everglades Restoration project.

The takeaway

The accelerated timeline and increased funding for the Everglades Restoration project demonstrate a strong commitment from both the state and federal government to protect and revitalize this critical natural resource. The successful partnership between Florida and the Army Corps of Engineers serves as a model for how large-scale environmental initiatives can be expedited through collaborative efforts.