South Bay, Fla. – The Us Army Corps of Engineers (USAace), the district of Jacksonville, together with federal, state and local partners, celebrated the conclusion of contract 10a for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir Project, a critical milestone in the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP).
This moment illuminates years of committed partnership and progress in the restoration of one of the most unique ecosystems in the world.
The EAA contract 10a comprises the construction of an 8.3 mile inflow/outflow channel, a infiltration channel and a maintenance road, which together offers the essential transport and protective features for the EAA reservoir. After completing the 10,500 hectare reservoir, up to 240,000 hectares of water-more than 118,000 Olympic swimming pools, which reduce harmful discharges to coastal mouths and deliver clean water to the south to Everglades and Florida Bay.
“Contract 10a may not be the most striking part of this massive undertaking, but do not make a mistake – it is absolutely important,” said Col. Brandon Bowman, US Army Corps of Engineers of the Jacksonville district. “Every milestone like this gives southern florida strength, flexibility and failure and brings us closer to a restored Everglades.”
The EAA reservoir, paired with its 600 hectare rainwater treatment area (StA), is designed in such a way that it would be captured, store, clean and redirect excess water from Lake Okeechobee, which would otherwise be lost to tide. Together, these projects will help restore the natural water flow, improve water quality and protect habitats of fish and wildlife throughout South Florida.
Connor Tomlinson, special assistant of the army's deputy secretary for construction work, emphasized the national importance of the effort: “As soon as the EAA reservoir is fully functional, the amount, quality and the time of water deliveries for the Everglades to the Everglades will be improved and reducing the harmful discharges for our coastal shrinkage. This project will help us To acquire water law. “
When fully expansed, Cepp sends an average of 370,000 hectares in south-south every year. From the construction of reservoirs and rainwater treatments to dike distances and canal fulfillment, each piece of these massive efforts contributes to the greater view: restoring the balance in Florida's water system.
This ribbon not only cuts the completion of a project phase, but also the collective efforts of local, state and federal partners who work hand in hand. The advantages go far beyond engineering – recreational options, securing water resources and the preservation of the Everglades for the coming generations.
Adam Blalock, deputy secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), found the accelerated festival
Progress stamp. “It is a real pleasure to celebrate this milestone, in particular to know that the project is completed prematurely. The collaboration of Everglades uses the collaboration so that Floridians can see the advantages earlier,” said Blalock.
The EAA Reservoir project, which is often referred to as the “Crown Jewel” by Cepp, is a heart of the comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) – the greatest effort to restore ecosystems in American history. CERP, authorized in 2000, is a partnership between the USAace and the state of Florida, which is intended to restore, protect and preserve the Everglades of America by restoring a natural water flow throughout the region.
Dr. Larry McAllister, program director of the USASCE South Atlantic Division, emphasized the extent of the work:
“This reservoir is huge over ten thousand tomorrow, able to keep water 240,000 acres. It will probably be one of the largest above-ground reservoirs in the nation, and it is only possible due to strong partnerships between the Corps, the South Florida Water Management District and our contractual partners.”
Since the work is continuing the contracts 11a and 11b for the reservoirs and future pumping stations, today's celebration underlines the joint commitment to accelerate the restoration, the protection of water resources and the environment in Südflorida for the coming generations.
Show photos and videos from the EAA project here:
Air photo of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) contract 10. It is the 7-mile inflow / drain channel (3,000 CFS) and the 7-mile seal channel / the maintenance road (north border of the reservoir). The EAA is part of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) and the extensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The project will lay the basis for the restoration of the central part of the Everglades and for sending additional water to the south. Cepp EAA will capture water that is lost through the flood and is released the water flow to the south in the central Everglades, Everglades National Park and Florida Bay. (US Army photo by Mark Rankin)
Air photo of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) contract 10. It is the 7-mile inflow / drain channel (3,000 CFS) and the 7-mile seal channel / the maintenance road (north border of the reservoir). The EAA is part of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) and the extensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The project will lay the basis for the restoration of the central part of the Everglades and for sending additional water to the south. Cepp EAA will capture water that is lost through the flood and the water flow to the south in the central Everglades, Everglades National Park and the Florida Bay new. (US Army photo by Mark Rankin)
The Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Contract 10a, the 7-mile inflow / drain channel (3,000 CFS) and 7-mile sepage channel / maintenance road (north border of the reservoir). The EAA is part of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) and the extensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The project will lay the basis for the restoration of the central part of the Everglades and for sending additional water to the south. Cepp EAA will capture water that is lost through the flood and is released the water flow to the south in the central Everglades, Everglades National Park and Florida Bay.
The Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Contract 10a, the 7-mile inflow / drain channel (3,000 CFS) and 7-mile sepage channel / maintenance road (north border of the reservoir). The EAA is part of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) and the extensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The project will lay the basis for the restoration of the central part of the Everglades and for sending additional water to the south. Cepp EAA will capture water that is lost through the flood and is released the water flow to the south in the central Everglades, Everglades National Park and Florida Bay.
Air photo of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) contract 10. It is the 7-mile inflow / drain channel (3,000 CFS) and the 7-mile seal channel / the maintenance road (north border of the reservoir). The EAA is part of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) and the extensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The project will lay the basis for the restoration of the central part of the Everglades and for sending additional water to the south. Cepp EAA will capture water that is lost through the flood and is released the water flow to the south in the central Everglades, Everglades National Park and Florida Bay. (US Army photo by Mark Rankin)
250923-A-TG148-1001: The leaders of the US district of Jacksonville, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the South Florida Water Management District on September 23, 2025 in South Bay, Florida, have the conclusion of the Reservoir project of the Everglades Agricultural Agricultural Agriculture (South Florida). The 7-mile channel and maintenance street are essential components of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP), which is intended to keep, clean and move water to improve water quality and restore the American Everglades. Photo by: Misty Cunningham
250923-A-TG148-1002: Community members, agency partners and respected guests gather under the ceremony tent on September 23, 2025 in South Bay, Florida to celebrate the Ribbon cut for the contract 10a of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) reservoir project. The event celebrated the completion of an 8.3 mile channel and maintenance-critical components of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP)-which help to save, clean and deliver more water to restore America's Everglades. Photo by: Misty Cunningham
250923-A-TG148-1003: Dr. Larry McAllister, program director of the US Army Corps of Engineers South Atlantic Division, provides comments during the Treaty 10a Ribbon Cutting Cutting on September 23, 2025 in South Bay, Florida. The milestone is a critical step forward in the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) and the efforts to restore the Evergladers of America. Photo by: Misty Cunningham
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