As a result of the engineering performed as early as the 1880s to make south Florida more habitable, the natural flow of water to—and through—the Everglades was severely altered. The construction of roads, canals, and levees created barriers that interrupt the natural flow of water that’s necessary for the Everglades to survive.
Upon Congressional authorization of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) in 2000, the federal government and the state of Florida entered into a programmatic 50/50 partnership to restore, protect, and preserve water resources in central and southern Florida, including the Everglades. The Corps is the lead federal agency and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is the lead state agency in this effort.
In partnership with SFWMD, the Corps is currently planning, designing, and constructing multiple components of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (SFER) program, which includes the CERP—the largest ecosystem restoration program in the world.
Progress made in each respective area supports efforts in the others to deliver essential benefits. Every incremental success complements the overall efforts to restore this national treasure. These efforts will ultimately improve 2.4 million acres of south Florida’s ecosystem (including Everglades National Park), reduce high-volume discharges from Lake Okeechobee to the estuaries, improve water deliveries to the Florida and Biscayne Bays, and enhance water supply.
For additional background information on Everglades restoration efforts, visit: www.evergladesrestoration.gov/
DID YOU KNOW?
Through congressional appropriations, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has invested $2.4 billion to date into the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration program, which includes Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) and CERP projects.
View the SFER Program Overview placemat to learn more.