Governor Ron DeSantis attended the groundbreaking of the Blue Shanty Flow Way project in Miami-Dade County, marking a significant step forward in efforts to restore the Everglades. The event is the first major action under a new agreement between Florida and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, signed on July 18, 2025, aimed at accelerating restoration projects.
“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.”
Under this new arrangement, Florida has taken responsibility for constructing the Blue Shanty Flow Way, which officials expect will be completed about two years ahead of schedule. This project is designed to increase water flow from the EAA Reservoir southward into Everglades National Park and Florida Bay.
The Blue Shanty Flow Way represents the final component needed to “uncork” Tamiami Trail as planned by the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) within the broader Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. The CEPP aims to deliver an average of 370,000 acre-feet of additional water each year from Lake Okeechobee into central parts of the ecosystem. Planned construction includes 8.5 miles of new levee and removal of older barriers to support more natural water movement.
Project benefits cited by state officials include restoring more natural flows of clean water southward, improving wildlife habitat, supporting recreation and ecotourism, and strengthening connections between key regions such as Central Everglades and Florida Bay.
“With every project, from reservoirs to flow ways, we are delivering real results on time, under budget and with strong returns for Florida’s taxpayers,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “Alongside our federal partners, state leadership and communities, we will continue driving restoration projects forward.”
Since taking office in 2019, Governor DeSantis has prioritized water quality improvements and Everglades restoration through increased funding commitments. Executive Order 19-12 set an initial goal of $2.5 billion over four years; that was surpassed with $3.3 billion invested during his first term—more than what had been allocated over the previous twelve years combined.
In his second term as governor, DeSantis has continued these investments with $1.4 billion included in this year’s budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. In total since 2019, nearly $8 billion has gone toward restoration initiatives across South Florida.
According to state figures released at the event:
– Over 75 restoration projects have been completed or initiated since 2019.
– Annual nutrient reductions now exceed 1.8 million pounds of nitrogen and 770,000 pounds of phosphorous.
– Water storage capacity has tripled to reach approximately 176 billion gallons.
– Major reservoir projects such as C-44 and C-43 are complete; work continues on what officials describe as “the crown jewel” EAA Reservoir scheduled for completion by 2029.
