Florida Construction News staff writer
Gov. Ron DeSantis has highlighted Florida’s ongoing efforts to restore the Everglades and improve the state’s water quality, unveiling significant budget recommendations for fiscal year 2025-26. The governor also called for expanded state control over the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to expedite the completion of essential Everglades restoration projects, aiming to save both time and taxpayer dollars.
“I’m proud to continue pushing forward on Everglades restoration and water quality efforts, which will have long-lasting benefits for Florida,” DeSantis said at a recent news conference. “Our goal is simple: leave Florida in better shape for future generations, and we’re making great strides toward that.”
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert emphasized the state’s dedication to the land. “We know the Everglades better than anyone—this is where we live, work, and play. We have the experience and the resolve to get the job done efficiently,” Lambert said.
Since 2019, water storage capacity has surged from 57.1 billion gallons to 176.1 billion gallons, following the opening of the C-43 Reservoir this year.
New projects are planned to increase that capacity to more than 330 billion gallons, helping to reduce harmful discharges into the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries, curbing nutrient pollution, and ensuring clean drinking water and a healthier Everglades.
Key initiatives, such as the Old Tamiami Trail Roadbed project, have improved water flow southward by 63 percent. The upcoming EAA Reservoir will store 240,000 acre-feet of water, supplying clean water to the Everglades. Despite delays from federal agencies, Florida continues to lead the way, advancing state-managed projects that improve water quality, protect communities from flooding, and restore the Everglades’ natural flow into Everglades National Park and Florida Bay—now meeting its salinity goals for the first time in decades.
By seeking more authority over the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and advocating for the restoration of state permitting powers under the Clean Water Act, Florida aims to eliminate federal delays and accelerate progress. Despite setbacks at the federal level, Florida has completed major projects ahead of schedule, including doubling water flow into Everglades National Park and constructing stormwater treatment areas at half the cost of federal alternatives.
DeSantis also committed to recommending $805 million for Everglades restoration in fiscal year 2025-26. This includes more than $670 million for CERP and another $130 million for additional projects focused on water quality and restoration efforts.
In 2019, DeSantis called for $2.5 billion over four years for Everglades restoration and water quality improvements. He exceeded that goal, securing more than $3.3 billion during his first term. In 2023, DeSantis reaffirmed his commitment to Everglades preservation by calling for a historic $3.5 billion investment in his second term, bringing Florida’s total investment to $6.5 billion since he took office.