April 2022
FACT SHEET
COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES RESTORATION PLAN
Loxahatchee River Watershed Restoration Project
Construction (C)
Congressional Districts: 17, 18, 20, 21, 22
1. DESCRIPTION
The Loxahatchee River Watershed Restoration Project (LRWRP), formerly known as the North Palm Beach County–Part 1 feasibility study, was authorized by Section 601(b)(1)(A) of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2000. The project includes approximately 753 square miles located in central and northern Palm Beach County.
The watershed is home to 83 state and federally listed plants and animals (33 federally threatened and endangered species; 20 federally protected migratory bird species; and an additional 30 state species of concern). The Loxahatchee River ecosystem, which includes one of two federally designated National Wild and Scenic Rivers, represents one of several unique and endangered sloughs once connected to the Greater Everglades ecosystem. It has the same unique ridge and slough landscape and tree islands characteristics and unique mix of species that supported designating the Everglades as a World Heritage Site. The Loxahatchee Slough is the last remaining riverine cypress area in Southeast Florida.
2. FUNDING
| Estimated Total Cost |
$6,900,000 |
| Estimated Federal Cost |
$5,200,000 |
| Allocation thru FY21 |
$5,051,000 |
| Allocation for FY22 |
$0 |
| President’s Budget FY23 |
$0 |
3. SPONSOR
South Florida Water Management District
3301 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
4. STATUS
The LRWRP Project Development Team (PDT) received approval in December 2015 to prepare a Project Implementation Report-Environmental Impact Statement (PIR-EIS) under the requirements of the USACE’s SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Risk-informed, Timely) planning process. In April 2016, the team received Regional office and Headquarters approval to move ahead with the analysis five alternative plans. In August 2018, the PDT received approval of the proposed tentatively selected plan and for completion and release of the Draft PIR-EIS for public review. The PDT finalized the PIR-EIS on 10 February 2020. The Chief’s Report was signed on 8 April 2020, and the project was authorized in Section 401 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020. The FY22 President’s Budget did not include budget for the LRWRP. Execution of a Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) will be dependent upon language contained within the FY22 Appropriations Bill regarding new start construction projects, as well as approval for a new investment decision.
