The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District invites partners, stakeholders, and the public to join us for the release of the 2022 Integrated Delivery Schedule (IDS) at a virtual public engagement workshop sponsored by the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (SFER) Task Force on Friday, November 18, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The IDS provides the roadmap for sequencing of planning, design, construction and operations of both federal and state projects related to Everglades restoration.
“Everglades restoration projects are moving forward with unprecedented momentum” said Eva Velez, Chief of the Ecosystems Branch. “The Corps has $1 Billion in project features under construction. Additional projects are being completed and starting to operate, providing benefits to the ecosystem, economy, and quality of life in Florida. The Corps, South Florida Water Management District and the Department of the Interior together are advancing restoration with tangible benefits to the Everglades. Our strong collaborative relationships, broad support, and record-breaking funding at both the state and federal level, have made it possible to move forward with the restoration of America’s Everglades.”
“The purpose of this virtual public engagement is to provide partners, stakeholders and the public with another opportunity to learn more about the final version of the 2022 Integrated Delivery Schedule,” said Dr. Tabitha Elkington, Strategic Program Manager for the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Program. “We are thankful for the great engagement in our recent public listening sessions in August and at the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force meeting in October. We look forward to sharing this living document that synchs up federal and state program and project priorities to give us a clear path forward.”
All participants joining the November 18 Virtual Integrated Delivery Schedule (IDS) Task Force Stakeholder Workshop virtually are required to pre-register at: https://www.evergladesrestoration.gov/workshops/november-18-2022-integrated-delivery-schedule-ids-stakeholder-workshop to receive a secure link allowing them to participate in the Zoom Webinar.
Additional materials will also be available at the link above, including a draft agenda and the 2022 IDS. The public is encouraged to register for the Zoom webinar or join the live webcast via YouTube for those unable to join the Zoom Webinar.
The Integrated Delivery Schedule is a forward-looking snapshot of upcoming design and construction schedules and programmatic costs at a “top” line level for the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (SFER) Program. It includes foundation projects like the Kissimmee River Restoration and the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) projects. The plan focuses on the “getting the water right.” CERP—the largest aquatic ecosystem restoration effort in the nation, spanning more than 18,000 square miles—is designed to improve the health of more than 2.4 million acres. The IDS reflects the strategy for the continued, historic momentum of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Program.
For additional information or to request a PDF version (printable on 11 x 17 paper) of the Final 2022 IDS via email, go to: www.saj.usace.army.mil/IDS
Presentations and videos from the October 19, 2022 South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force Meeting, including the presentation on the Integrated Delivery Schedule, are available at https://www.evergladesrestoration.gov/task-force-1/oct-19-2022-task-force-meeting-6gp5f