NAPLES, Fla. – Since taking office, Gov. Ron DeSantis has made it a commitment to restore Florida’s Everglades and improve water quality.
During an Earth Day news conference on Tuesday, the governor highlighted key milestones in the state’s restoration efforts at the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples, joined by Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young.
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The restoration journey began in January 2019, when state officials launched a bold vision for Florida’s natural resources. DeSantis called for $2.5 billion to be invested over four years for Everglades restoration and water quality.
In a significant commitment, Florida pledged $2.5 billion over four years for Everglades restoration and water quality projects, which was $1 billion more than the previous funding period. Ultimately, the state exceeded expectations by investing $3.3 billion during that time, surpassing the combined total of the previous 12 years.
In January 2023, the state announced an additional commitment of $3.5 billion over the next four years.
DeSantis said that in just two years, over $3 billion has already been allocated.
“When you are supporting Everglades restoration, that does have a positive impact on not only our way of life, but also, Florida’s economy,” DeSantis said. ”Over the next 50 years, we think that hundreds of thousands of jobs will be linked to these restoration efforts."
Since the initiative’s inception, more than 75 projects have been completed or are underway, something DeSantis said is a record for the state.
Notable achievements include the removal of the old Tamiami Trail roadbed, which was completed six months ahead of schedule, allowing for improved water flow to Everglades National Park. The completion of the C-44 reservoir and stormwater treatment area has also provided clean water to the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Lucie Estuary.
The state has successfully reduced harmful nutrients in South Florida’s waterways, removing 727,000 pounds of nitrogen and nearly 500,000 pounds of phosphorus annually. Cumulatively, these efforts have led to the removal of over 1.8 million pounds of nitrogen and 770,000 pounds of phosphorus each year.
DeSantis said the state is also one year ahead of schedule in what he calls the “crown jewel of Everglades restoration.” The EAA Reservoir stores, cleans, and sends water south from Lake Okeechobee into the Everglades.
“The project will provide an additional 370,000 acre feet of clean water annually to the Everglades,” DeSantis said.
Looking ahead, DeSantis said the completion of the C-43 reservoir this summer represents a major milestone for Everglades restoration. The 18-square-mile reservoir will be able to hold 55 billion gallons of water and will improve water storage and reduce harmful discharges to the Caloosahatchee Estuary.