Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the groundbreaking of the Blue Shanty Flow Way project in Miami-Dade County, a significant development for Everglades restoration. This marks the first project initiated under Florida’s new agreement with the U.S. Department of the Army to accelerate Everglades restoration.
“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 recent agreement, signed on July 18, 2025, between Florida and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers allows the state to oversee construction of the Blue Shanty Flow Way. State officials expect this will lead to completion about two years ahead of earlier schedules.
This project is part of the Central Everglades Planning Project under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and is intended to be the last effort needed to remove flow restrictions at Tamiami Trail. The plan calls for moving an average of 370,000 acre-feet of water annually from Lake Okeechobee into the Central Everglades by constructing a new 8.5-mile levee and removing outdated barriers.
The Blue Shanty Flow Way aims to restore natural water movement southward, improve wildlife habitats, support recreation and ecotourism, and enhance connections between key parts of South Florida’s ecosystem.
“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 in 2019, Governor DeSantis has made environmental initiatives central to his administration. On his second day as governor he issued Executive Order 19-12 committing $2.5 billion over four years for water quality improvements and Everglades work—a target surpassed during his first term when $3.3 billion was invested.
In his current term, $1.4 billion was included in this year’s budget for these efforts; total investments since 2019 have reached nearly $8 billion toward Everglades restoration and water quality projects.
According to state figures since 2019 more than 75 restoration projects have been completed or started—more than any previous administration—and nutrient reductions now exceed 1.8 million pounds of nitrogen and 770,000 pounds of phosphorus per year. South Florida’s water storage capacity has also tripled since then to approximately 176 billion gallons.
Key infrastructure achievements include completion of both C-44 and C-43 reservoirs while construction continues on what officials call “the crown jewel”—the EAA Reservoir—which is projected for completion by 2029.
