DeSantis and Army Corps Announce Executed EAA Reservoir Contracts, Locking In 2029 Completion

State and federal officials say all federally funded contracts are in place, accelerating one of South Florida's most critical Everglades restoration projects.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:40pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a solitary, sunlit water control structure, its geometric forms and shadows conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the importance of this Everglades restoration project.The executed contracts and accelerated timeline for the EAA Reservoir project represent a major step forward in South Florida's efforts to restore the Everglades ecosystem.South Bay Today

State and federal officials gathered in South Bay, Florida to announce that all federally funded contracts tied to the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir project have now been executed, a milestone they say locks in funding and keeps one of South Florida's most closely watched restoration projects on an accelerated schedule to be completed by 2029 - five years ahead of the original timeline.

Why it matters

The EAA Reservoir is a major component of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, designed to move more water south from Lake Okeechobee, support aquifer recharge, and help restore the historic flow of water through the Everglades, Everglades National Park and Florida Bay. The project has been a key priority for residents, environmental groups and local governments concerned about water quality, ecosystem restoration, and the management of water flows from Lake Okeechobee.

The details

Under a 2025 agreement between Florida and the federal government, the state has taken the lead on key project components while continuing to coordinate with the Army Corps of Engineers. This has allowed construction timelines to be shortened by five years, with critical infrastructure like an inflow pump station already underway. The state has also taken responsibility for the Blue Shanty Flow Way project, the final connection needed to move water south into Everglades National Park and Florida Bay.

  • In July 2025, Florida and the federal government signed an agreement giving the state a larger role in carrying out federally funded portions of the restoration work.
  • Ground was broken on the Blue Shanty Flow Way project just two months after the 2025 memorandum was signed.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida who appeared with federal officials to announce the milestone.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The federal agency that has managed the EAA Reservoir project and is now coordinating more closely with the state.

South Florida Water Management District

The state agency that plays a central role in Everglades restoration work along with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

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What they’re saying

“We must cut through traditional delays to move this critical project forward on an accelerated schedule.”

— Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida

What’s next

With the contract phase now fully in place, the next benchmark for residents, environmental groups and local governments to watch is whether the state and federal partnership keeps the EAA Reservoir and its related pump and flow-way infrastructure on the promised 2029 timetable.

The takeaway

The accelerated timeline and increased state involvement in the EAA Reservoir project represents a significant milestone in South Florida's long-running efforts to restore the Everglades and improve water quality, aquifer recharge, and the natural flow of water through the region's sensitive ecosystems.