The Blue Shanty Flow Way project officially began construction in Miami-Dade County, marking a significant step in ongoing Everglades restoration efforts. Governor Ron DeSantis attended the groundbreaking ceremony, describing the event as an important milestone for environmental work in South Florida.
“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 project is the first to begin under a new agreement between Florida and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, signed on July 18, 2025. The arrangement gives Florida responsibility for managing construction of the Blue Shanty Flow Way and is expected to complete the project about two years ahead of schedule.
The Blue Shanty Flow Way will serve as the final component needed to allow water movement beneath Tamiami Trail, fulfilling plans set out by the Central Everglades Planning Project within the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. This initiative will help move an average of 370,000 acre-feet of additional water annually from Lake Okeechobee into central parts of the Everglades ecosystem. The work includes constructing 8.5 miles of new levee and removing older barriers so that water can flow more naturally.
Project benefits include restoring natural water flow southward, improving wildlife habitats, supporting recreation and ecotourism activities, and enhancing connections between different sections 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.”
Since 2019, Florida has invested nearly $8 billion in Everglades restoration and water quality improvements. Over 75 restoration projects have been started or completed during this period — more than any previous administration — while annual nutrient reductions now total over 1.8 million pounds of nitrogen and 770,000 pounds of phosphorus. Water storage capacity across South Florida has also increased threefold since then.
Governor DeSantis’ administration exceeded its first-term goal for environmental funding by investing $3.3 billion — surpassing commitments made over twelve prior years combined — and is currently on pace to exceed its second-term target after committing $4.6 billion during his current term so far.
Other key milestones include completion of major reservoirs such as C-44 and C-43; meanwhile, construction continues on what officials describe as “the crown jewel” EAA Reservoir, scheduled for completion by 2029.
