April 2022
FACT SHEET
COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES RESTORATION PLAN
Biscayne Bay and Southeastern Everglades Ecosystem Restoration
Construction (C)
Congressional Districts: 23, 24, 25, 26, 27
1. DESCRIPTION
The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2000, Section 601 (b)(1)(A), authorized the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) as the framework for restoration of the South Florida ecosystem. The Biscayne Bay and Southeastern Everglades Ecosystem Restoration project (BBSEER) will provide substantial amounts of freshwater to improve the quantity, timing, and distribution of freshwater in the wetlands of Biscayne Bay and its nearshore estuaries. We expect delivery of water to the terrestrial wetlands of the Model Lands and Southern Glades and to improve habitat quality in approximately 120,000 acres of these locations.
2. FUNDING
| Estimated Total Cost |
$3,000,000 |
| Estimated Federal Cost |
$2,500,000 |
a. Regular Civil Works funds:
| Allocation thru FY21 |
$2,500,000 |
| Allocation for FY22 |
$0 |
| President’s Budget FY23 |
$0 |
b. P.L. 117-58: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Supplemental:
| Total Work Plan |
$2,500,000 |
| Allocation for FY22 |
$0 |
3. SPONSOR
South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
3301 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
4. STATUS
In March 2021, the team met the first of three study milestones for the development of project objectives, initial array of alternatives, and the initiation of formal environmental consultation. The team is developing quantitative tools to ensure flood protection and water supply levels of service are maintained while assessing ecosystem benefits relative to the impacts of sea level change. BBSEER is in the process of demonstrating that due to the complex scope, high potential costs of recommended plan, significant state and federal agency coordination, and potential for public dispute, BBSEER meets the criteria for an exception to the WRRDA 2014, Section 1001, requiring more than three years and $3 Million dollars to complete the study.