Florida Construction News staff writer
Construction officially began on the Blue Shanty Flow Way project, a key milestone in Everglades restoration that is designed to increase the flow of water from the planned EAA Reservoir south into Everglades National Park and Florida Bay.
The project follows a July 18 agreement between the state and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to accelerate restoration efforts in the Everglades. Under the agreement, the state assumed responsibility for the Blue Shanty Flow Way, which is now expected to be completed about two years earlier than originally planned.
“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 on the Blue Shanty Flow Way project in Miami-Dade County is a milestone in our Everglades restoration efforts, building on our many previous conservation actions.”
The Blue Shanty Flow Way is the final project needed to “uncork” Tamiami Trail, as outlined in the Central Everglades Planning Project under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. The overall project will deliver an average of 370,000 acre-feet of additional water each year from Lake Okeechobee to the Central Everglades. It includes 8.5 miles of new levee construction and the removal of older levees to restore more natural water movement.
Officials said the flow way is expected to:
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Restore a more natural and historic flow of clean water south.
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Improve habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife in the Everglades.
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Support outdoor recreation and ecotourism.
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Strengthen the connection between the Central Everglades and Florida Bay.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert said the project is being carried out in coordination with federal partners, state agencies and local communities.
Since 2019, the state has invested nearly $8 billion in Everglades restoration and water quality projects. Funding has included $3.3 billion in the first term of the current administration and $1.4 billion in the 2025-26 fiscal year, contributing to the ongoing implementation of restoration and water-quality initiatives across the region.
