The South Florida Water Management District is taking another step forward to expedite and complete the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir Project at the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
With full funding in place, the SFWMD is now advertising the final contract for the Stormwater Treatment Area component of the EAA Reservoir Project that moves clean water from Lake Okeechobee south to the Everglades. Bids are anticipated to be opened in January 2021.
The request for bids includes three pump stations, multiple water control structures, inflow and outflow canals, levees and earthwork necessary to make the natural water cleaning function properly. Additional details for potential bidders can be found at www.sfwmd.gov/procurement.
DeSantis made expediting the completion of the EAA Reservoir Project a key priority with one of his first executive orders. The project significantly improves the flow of clean water south to Florida’s Everglades and reduces damaging discharges to the northern estuaries.
The EAA Reservoir Project is a joint Everglades restoration project between the SFWMD and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The 6,500-acre STA, which is being built by the SFWMD, will clean the water to meet stringent state water quality standards before it is sent south. The reservoir, which is being built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will hold 240,000 acre-feet of water.
