New Agreement Accelerates Critical Everglades Restoration Projects

NBC 6 News, July 21, 2026

NBC 6 News featured The Everglades Foundation in a report on a new agreement between the State of Florida and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to accelerate critical Everglades restoration projects. The agreement was announced one year after state and federal leaders first committed to expediting one of the nation’s largest environmental restoration efforts.

The agreement allows federal funding to support state-led construction of the final component of the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir, a seepage management pump station, as well as the Blue Shanty Flow Way Project. Coordinating these projects with the EAA Reservoir’s scheduled completion in 2029 will help ensure that the broader restoration system is ready to move clean freshwater south.

The Everglades Foundation Chief Executive Officer Eric Eikenberg spoke with NBC 6 about the importance of this state and federal partnership. Advancing the EAA Reservoir and Blue Shanty Flow Way together will help deliver clean freshwater to Everglades National Park and Florida Bay, reduce harmful discharges to coastal estuaries, and protect the drinking water supply for millions of Floridians.

The Blue Shanty Flow Way is an important part of the Central Everglades Planning Project. The project will remove sections of old roadbed and levees, improve wetland connectivity, and allow more water to flow south across Tamiami Trail.

This agreement represents another significant step toward restoring the natural flow of water through the Everglades. It also demonstrates how strong collaboration between state and federal partners can accelerate restoration, support South Florida’s economy, and deliver lasting benefits for Florida’s environment and communities.

Watch the full NBC 6 News Segment here:

https://www.nbcmiami.com/video/nbc-6-news/new-agreement-to-expedite-everglades-restoration/3836886/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTO_UtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFFZlVPWU43ZVN4ZzJtWnZjc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkVPEB3VgJUkSkwA88-oOVHgFxfCyv5L01vrgxpJfRBsSinpA6HQRbZb1ANd_aem_-kL8lNy2v1CPaY5NIkvLoA

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