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Everglades Restoration: 25 Years In, Still A Work In Progress
23 Dec
Summary
- Everglades restoration costs have tripled to $23 billion, exceeding initial $7.8 billion budget.
- Completion is now projected for another 20 years beyond the original 30-year timeline.
- Key projects like the EAA Reservoir are under construction, boosting restoration pace.
Twenty-five years ago, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan was enacted to reverse 20th-century damage to Florida's unique ecosystem. This ambitious 68-project initiative aimed for completion in 30 years with a $7.8 billion budget. However, costs have since tripled to $23 billion, and the completion timeline has been extended by another two decades.
Despite these challenges, the restoration effort is gaining momentum. Key projects, including the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir and increased water flow under Tamiami Trail, are now under construction. Experts emphasize that the plan's ultimate success depends on both robust engineering solutions and sustained public willingness to fund the remaining work.
Progress includes the C-43 impoundment completion and groundbreaking for the EAA Reservoir, designed to store and filter water from Lake Okeechobee. While some critics argue the reservoir's current scale is insufficient, the accelerated pace offers renewed hope for Florida Bay's ecological recovery and the health of downstream estuaries.
