The Blue Shanty Flow Way project officially began construction in Miami-Dade County, marking a significant step in the ongoing restoration of the Everglades. Governor Ron DeSantis attended the groundbreaking ceremony and highlighted the collaboration between Florida and federal partners.
“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.”
This event follows a new agreement signed on July 18, 2025, between Florida and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The arrangement allows Florida to take over responsibility for constructing the Blue Shanty Flow Way, aiming to finish it roughly two years ahead of schedule.
The Blue Shanty Flow Way is intended as the final component needed to improve water movement southward from Lake Okeechobee into Everglades National Park and Florida Bay. It forms part of the Central Everglades Planning Project under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, which is expected to provide an average of 370,000 acre-feet of additional water each year to the region. The project involves building a new 8.5-mile levee and removing existing levees to restore natural water flow.
Anticipated benefits include restoring more natural flows of clean water south, improving habitats for wildlife such as fish and birds, supporting outdoor recreation and ecotourism, and strengthening connections between central parts of the Everglades 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.”
Governor DeSantis has made environmental restoration one of his administration’s main priorities since taking office. In his first term he set a target through Executive Order 19-12 for $2.5 billion over four years for water quality initiatives; that goal was surpassed with $3.3 billion invested—more than what had been spent over twelve previous years combined.
Since then, funding has continued at an increased pace: this year’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget includes $1.4 billion dedicated to these efforts. In total nearly $8 billion has been invested since 2019 toward Everglades restoration projects.
These investments have led to completion or launch of more than 75 projects since 2019—surpassing any previous administration’s record—and annual nutrient reductions now reach over 1.8 million pounds of nitrogen and 770,000 pounds of phosphorous removed from waterways each year. South Florida’s water storage capacity has tripled to hold up to 176 billion gallons thanks in part to completed reservoirs like C-44 and C-43; meanwhile work continues on other major facilities such as the EAA Reservoir projected for completion by 2029.
