Tallahassee, Fla. – The Everglades Trust (Trust) today released the following statement, attributed to its CEO Anna Upton, regarding the announcement that the federal government’s financial commitment to complete the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir has been fulfilled.
“What a great day for America’s Everglades, as it has been announced that all the federal money needed to complete their portions of the EAA Reservoir – the ‘Crown Jewel’ of Everglades restoration – has been secured.
“This milestone is the result of the state’s historic agreement with the Department of the Army, announced in July 2025 – an agreement that will complete the EAA Reservoir in record time and at a reduced cost, so that its benefits can be realized ahead of schedule starting in 2029 when it comes online.
“This announcement would not be possible without Governor Ron DeSantis, who from Day One dedicated himself to advancing the world’s largest ecosystem restoration effort, so that Floridians, and those who travel here, could enjoy a healthy and restored Everglades years ahead of schedule. Under his leadership, $8 billion has gone toward Everglades restoration and water quality improvements over the last seven years – a historic increase in funding that has resulted in him earning the title of the Everglades Governor.
“Thank you to President Donald J. Trump and the Trump administration for securing the federal funds needed to help complete the EAA Reservoir in record time. Through the Army Civil Works’ ‘Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork’ initiative, needless bureaucracy has been cut and policy has been put into action, helping to accelerate the EAA Reservoir, a complex infrastructure project, and setting a new standard for how to get projects done.
“Now, our state is in the prime position to complete all the components the state has taken over for the EAA Reservoir by fully funding them in this year’s budget. Floridians have already been able to see and witness the positive benefits of Everglades restoration with the projects that have come online. Getting restoration done ahead of schedule will mean more years with less discharges, more years with a healthy Everglades, and more years with clean water, which our state’s economy relies on.”
For more information on the Trust, visit evergladestrust.org and follow @evtrust on Twitter.
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