Governor Ron DeSantis attended the groundbreaking of the Blue Shanty Flow Way project in Miami-Dade County, marking a significant step in ongoing Everglades restoration efforts. The event is the first major milestone under Florida’s new agreement with the U.S. Department of the Army to accelerate restoration work in partnership with federal agencies.
“We are acting on our historic agreement with the Trump Administration to expedite Everglades restoration using federal funds and state expertise,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today’s groundbreaking on the Blue Shanty Flow Way project in Miami-Dade County is a milestone in our Everglades restoration efforts, building on our many previous conservation actions.”
The new agreement, signed on July 18, 2025, allows Florida to take responsibility for completing the Blue Shanty Flow Way project. State officials expect this approach will finish construction about two years ahead of earlier projections.
The Blue Shanty Flow Way is designed as the final component to remove barriers along Tamiami Trail as part of the Central Everglades Planning Project under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. This initiative aims to restore an average of 370,000 acre-feet of water annually from Lake Okeechobee into the Central Everglades by constructing 8.5 miles of new levee and removing outdated structures.
Key benefits outlined for this project include restoring natural water flow southward, improving wildlife habitats, supporting outdoor recreation and ecotourism, and strengthening connections between central wetlands and Florida Bay.
“With every project, from reservoirs to flow ways, we are delivering real results on time, under budget and with strong returns for Florida’s taxpayers,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “Alongside our federal partners, state leadership and communities, we will continue driving restoration projects forward.”
Since taking office, Governor DeSantis has prioritized water quality and Everglades restoration initiatives. On his second day as governor he issued Executive Order 19-12 that pledged $2.5 billion over four years for related projects—a goal surpassed during his first term with $3.3 billion invested.
In his current term, DeSantis included $1.4 billion for these priorities in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget; overall commitments now total $4.6 billion since January 2023—putting Florida ahead of its $3.5 billion target for this period. Since 2019 nearly $8 billion has been directed toward Everglades restoration and water quality improvements.
Florida reports completion or launch of more than 75 restoration projects since 2019—more than any previous administration—and annual reductions exceeding 1.8 million pounds of nitrogen and 770,000 pounds of phosphorus from area watersheds. Water storage capacity across South Florida has also tripled to approximately 176 billion gallons during this time frame.
Reservoir milestones include completion of both C-44 and C-43 reservoirs; construction continues on the EAA Reservoir which is expected to be finished by 2029.
