News Update
SFWMD moves forward on key CERP projects
Staff report
Enviro-Net
The South Florida Water Management District recently took several actions to advance four projects that are part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan to restore Florida's Everglades.
The actions taken by SFWMD include:
• Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir Project. SFWMD issued a “request For bids” for the construction of an inflow/outflow canal that will bring water from Lake Okeechobee into the stormwater treatment area and reservoir. The 240,000 acre-foot reservoir will help dramatically reduce damaging discharges from Lake Okeechobee to the coastal estuaries during the wet season and help send additional clean water south to the Everglades.
• Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project. SFWMD sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, its federal partner in Everglades restoration, supporting the project’s authorization. LOWRP is a planning effort being conducted by the corps and the district to identify opportunities to improve the quantity, timing and distribution of flows into the 730-square-mile lake.
• Western Everglades Restoration Project. SFWMD sent a letter to the corps encouraging continued development and offering assistance to move the project forward. The district recommended additional research to support planning efforts in addition to finding solutions for lands needed for the project.
• Loxahatchee River Watershed Restoration Project. SFWMD sent a letter to the corps supporting the project’s authorization. The Loxahatchee River Watershed Restoration Project aims to restore and sustain the overall quantity, quality, timing and distribution of fresh water to the federally designated "National Wild and Scenic" Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River for current and future generations.
These four efforts are important to making progress on the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and garner significant public attention.
Source: South Florida Water Management District