“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 marks the first event since the State of Florida and the US Army Corps of Engineers signed a new landmark agreement on July 18, 2025, to accelerate the restoration of America’s Everglades. Under the new agreement, the State of Florida assumed responsibility for the Blue Shanty Flow Way and anticipates that it will be done about two years faster than planned.
The Blue Shanty Flow Way is the final project to “uncork” the Tamiami Trail that was planned as part of the Central Everglades Planning Project under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.
The Central Everglades Planning Project will deliver an average of 370,000 acre-feet of additional water each year from Lake Okeechobee to the Central Everglades—an essential step in restoring the River of Grass. It includes 8.5 miles of a new Blue Shanty Levee and the removal of older levees to allow water to move naturally.
The benefits of the Blue Shanty Flow Way include:
- Restoration of a more natural and historic flow of clean water south.
- Improved habitat for fish, birds, and other Everglades wildlife.
- Support for outdoor recreation and ecotourism.
- Strengthening the connection between the Central 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.”
