Posted on September 24, 2025
South Bay, Fla. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District, along with federal, state, and local partners celebrated the completion of Contract 10A for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir Project, a critical milestone in the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP).
This moment highlights years of dedicated partnership and progress toward restoring one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.
The EAA Contract 10A includes construction of an 8.3-mile inflow/outflow canal, a seepage canal, and a maintenance road that together provide the essential conveyance, and protection features for the EAA Reservoir. Once complete, the 10,500-acre reservoir will store up to 240,000 acre-feet of water — equivalent to more than 118,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools — reducing harmful discharges to coastal estuaries and delivering clean, fresh water south to the Everglades and Florida Bay.
“Contract 10A may not be the flashiest part of this massive undertaking, but make no mistake — it is absolutely essential,” said Col. Brandon Bowman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District Commander. “Each milestone like this adds strength, flexibility, and resiliency to South Florida and brings us closer to a restored Everglades.”
The EAA Reservoir, paired with its 6,500-acre Stormwater Treatment Area (STA), is designed to capture, store, clean, and redirect excess water from Lake Okeechobee that would otherwise be lost to tide. Together, these projects will help restore the natural flow of water, improve water quality, and protect fish and wildlife habitats across South Florida.
Connor Tomlinson, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, emphasized the national significance of the effort saying, “Once fully operational, the EAA Reservoir will improve the quantity, quality, and timing of water deliveries to the Everglades while reducing harmful discharges to our coastal estuaries. This project will help us get the water right.”
At full build-out, CEPP will send an average of 370,000 acre-feet of additional water south every year. From reservoir and stormwater treatment construction to levee removals and canal backfilling, each piece of this massive effort contributes to the larger vision: restoring balance to Florida’s water system.
This ribbon cutting marks not just the completion of one project phase, but also the collective effort of local, state, and federal partners working hand in hand. The benefits extend far beyond engineering—boosting recreation opportunities, safeguarding water resources, and preserving the Everglades for generations to come.
Adam Blalock, Deputy Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), noted the accelerated
pace of progress. “It is a real pleasure to celebrate this milestone, particularly knowing the project is being completed ahead of schedule. By working together, we’re expediting Everglades restoration so Floridians can begin seeing the benefits sooner,” said Blalock.
The EAA Reservoir Project, often called the “crown jewel” of CEPP, is a centerpiece of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) — the largest ecosystem restoration effort in American history. CERP, authorized in 2000, is a partnership between USACE and the State of Florida designed to restore, protect, and preserve America’s Everglades by re-establishing more natural water flow throughout the region.
Dr. Larry McAllister, Programs Director for USACE South Atlantic Division, highlighted the scale of the work:
“This reservoir is huge — over ten-thousand acres, capable of holding 240,000 acre-feet of water. It will likely be one of the largest above-ground reservoirs in the nation, and it’s only possible because of strong partnerships between the Corps, the South Florida Water Management District, and our contractors.”
As the work continues Contracts 11A and 11B for the reservoir embankments and future pump stations, today’s celebration underscores the shared commitment to accelerate restoration, protect water resources, and preserve South Florida’s environment for generations to come.
View photos and video from the EAA project here:
250923-A-TG148-1001: Leaders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the South Florida Water Management District cut the ribbon Sept. 23, 2025, in South Bay, Fla., to celebrate completion of Contract 10A of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir Project. The 7-mile canal and maintenance road are essential components of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP), designed to store, clean, and move water south to improve water quality and restore America’s Everglades. Photo by: Misty Cunningham
250923-A-TG148-1002: Community members, agency partners, and distinguished guests gather under the ceremony tent Sept. 23, 2025, in South Bay, Fla., to celebrate the ribbon cutting for Contract 10A of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir Project. The event celebrated the completion of an 8.3-mile canal and maintenance road — critical components of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) — that will help store, clean, and deliver more water south to restore America’s Everglades. Photo by: Misty Cunningham
250923-A-TG148-1003: Dr. Larry McAllister, Programs Director for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Atlantic Division, delivers remarks during the Contract 10A ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 23, 2025, in South Bay, Fla. The milestone marks a critical step forward in the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) and efforts to restore America’s Everglades. Photo by: Misty Cunningham
