NAPLES, Fla. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District, with federal, state, and local partners celebrated the completion of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Miller Pump Station in Naples, FL.
"Today we celebrated a significant step toward protecting Floridians from flood risk and restoring America’s Everglades. It is a great honor to be here as we mark the completion of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project, a cornerstone of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.” said Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle. “Reducing flood risk to Floridians and completing rejuvenation of this natural wonder is a gargantuan challenge.
The amount of time and effort that we are contributing to this project is extraordinary, and the result is a testament to the hard work of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, our partners with the State of Florida, and everyone involved in making today a reality."
The Picayune Strand Restoration Project, a key milestone in Florida’s environmental recovery efforts, has been completed, marking a significant achievement in the broader Everglades restoration initiative. Spanning 55,000 acres between Alligator Alley and Tamiami Trail in southwestern Florida, this restoration project is the result of years of collaboration among USACE, the South Florida Water Management District, and a variety of local, state, and federal partners. Through the removal of 260 miles of roads and plugging 48 miles of canals, the project has successfully restored the natural flow of water to the region, revitalizing wetlands and improving overall water quality.
This monumental effort has already shown positive results, with native plants and animals, including wading birds, returning to the area. The restoration also benefits critical habitats, including those of the endangered Florida panther, providing a sanctuary for species once on the brink of extinction. The work has not only restored hydrology but has also improved water quality, enhanced aquifer recharge, and provided flood protection for nearby communities. The improved hydrology will also reduce the intensity and frequency of wildfires. These long-term benefits will ensure that the region’s natural resources are safeguarded for generations to come.
“Historic Achievement. Monumental Day. Collaboration at its finest! We have worked for decades to get to the finish line of this vital Everglades restoration project,” said Charlette Roman, South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member and Chair of the Big Cypress Basin. “I am enormously grateful to every single person who worked on this project every step of the way. The momentum we have seen under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis is truly amazing.
She added, "In recent years, we have seen many large-scale projects come on-line, with more in the works. Only by working together with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and all of our federal, state and local partners and stakeholders can we accomplish these monumental feats of engineering, planning and construction. I am so proud to be a part of the critical effort to restore America’s Everglades and can finally say, we completed the Picayune Strand Restoration Project!”
The Picayune Strand Restoration Project is a cornerstone of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, the largest environmental restoration project in U.S. history. It serves as a model for future restoration projects across the Everglades and beyond. This project demonstrates the power of collaboration and innovation, showing that when people come together, we can reverse environmental damage and create a sustainable future for both wildlife and human communities. The successful completion of this project is a testament to the dedication of all those involved, from engineers to local residents, and to the shared vision of a restored, thriving ecosystem.
To access and download ceremony and project imagery and b-roll, visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/PicayuneStrandRestorationProject26
For more news, updates and information visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District district’s website at www.saj.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Jacksonvilledistrict, and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/JaxStrong.