May 2024
FACT SHEET
COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES RESTORATION PLAN
Western Everglades Restoration Project
Construction (C)
Congressional Districts: 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
1. DESCRIPTION
The Western Everglades Restoration Project is a component of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, which was authorized under the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2000. The study area covers approximately 1,200 square miles. If the project is authorized, it will improve the quantity, quality, timing, and distribution of water in the western Everglades. This project will reestablish sheet flow across the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation and into Big Cypress National Preserve, maintain existing levels of flood protection and ensure that inflows to the North and West Feeder canals meet applicable water quality standards.
2. FUNDING
| Estimated Total Cost |
$14,462,863 |
| Estimated Federal Cost |
$10,823,903 |
a. Regular Civil Works funds:
| Allocation thru FY23 |
$5,739,153 |
| Allocation for FY24 |
$0 |
| President’s Budget FY25 |
$0 |
b. P.L. 117-58: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Supplemental:
| Total Work Plan |
$2,363,736 |
| Allocation thru FY23 |
$2,363,736 |
| Allocation for FY24 |
$0 |
3. SPONSOR
South Florida Water Management District
3301 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
4. STATUS
The project was initiated in August 2016 under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) new SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Risk Informed, and Timely) planning paradigm. The Alternatives Milestone Meeting was completed in November 2016. The large study area, which includes two Native American reservations, has presented challenges with real estate acquisition and water quality. As the Tentative Plan took shape, strong objections were raised by our sponsor, SFWMD, stakeholders, and the Tribal Nations. The Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP) Milestone meeting was held August 4, 2022. The TSP was approved except for the Wingate Mill Stormwater Treatment Area (WMSTA). The WMSTA was proposed in an area of high-quality natural lands and in an area subject to dry outs. Therefore, the USACE and SFWMD decided to delay the release of the draft report to evaluate a replacement feature for the WMSTA. A 3x3x3 exception for additional time/budget is needed to include this evaluation and complete the study. The 3x3x3 exception for additional time/budget was approved in January 2024. The WMSTA feature was replaced with a natural flow way and the TSP was confirmed in August 2023. The Agency Decision Milestone (ADM) was completed March 18, 2024. The Chief’s Report is scheduled to be signed in September 2024 and be eligible for authorization in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024. The SFWMD, stakeholders, and Tribal Nations have expressed their support for completion of the study.
