The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Monday that all federally managed contracts are in place to complete the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir earlier than expected. The timeline aims to finish the work by the end of 2029 rather than 2034.
The 10,500-acre EAA Reservoir, located south of Lake Okeechobee, is intended to bring water to the Everglades, recharge the aquifer for South Florida, reduce the need for discharges out of Lake Okeechobee blamed for toxic blue-green algae and red tide outbreaks on both coasts, and balance the salinity of Florida Bay. The announcement follows a deal reached last July between the Army Corps and the state in which Florida agreed to assume leadership over key project components, including pump stations, auxiliary structures, and the Blue Shanty flow way.
Outbreaks of algae and red tide over the years have befouled waters and led to massive deaths of marine life. While the project is not directly related to Hernando, Pasco, or Citrus counties, the improved water quality is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and economy of the region.
The project has been a long-term effort to address the environmental issues affecting the state of Florida. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the completion of the reservoir is a significant step towards achieving the goals of the Everglades restoration project.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
