JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District, in partnership with the South Florida Water Management District, celebrated on July 30, the continued progress on the Indian River Lagoon–South (IRL-South) Restoration Project, marking two major milestones that advance the restoration of the St. Lucie Estuary and southern Indian River Lagoon.
The IRL-South Restoration Project is entering an exciting new chapter as major construction of the C-23/C-24 Stormwater Treatment Area transitions into operational maintenance and grow-in, while the Interim Pump Station advances into construction following its authorization and funding. Together, these milestones represent meaningful progress toward improving water quality, restoring habitat, and strengthening the long-term health of one of Florida's most important estuarine ecosystems.
“These milestones on the Indian River Lagoon-South Restoration Project are a clear example of the Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork initiative in action,” said Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle. “By strengthening partnerships with the South Florida Water Management District, streamlining delivery, and prioritizing projects of national significance, we are moving critical Everglades restoration forward faster than ever before. Together, we are delivering the infrastructure needed to restore one of America's most valuable estuarine ecosystems while ensuring taxpayer resources are focused where they achieve the greatest long-term impact.”
“All of us want a healthy environment with abundant fish and wildlife. The C-23/C-24 features will help deliver exactly that,” said South Florida Water Management District Executive Director Drew Bartlett. “The District prioritizes improving water quality across South Florida, and today’s C-23/C-24 STA milestone is another pivotal moment as we work to protect the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon. The State of Florida, under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, will continue its commitment to advancing Everglades projects that make a difference for the environment and the quality of life for people in South Florida. We’re going to keep up our momentum and continue to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite Everglades projects.”
When complete, the IRL-South Project will provide more than 130,000 acre-feet of additional water storage, approximately 9,000 acres of stormwater treatment areas, and nearly 90,000 acres of restored natural areas. These investments will help reduce nutrient loading, improve freshwater management, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and support the long-term ecological health of the St. Lucie Estuary and southern Indian River Lagoon for generations to come.