Politics
Gov. DeSantis is eager to tout Everglades restoration milestone
DeSantis did not take questions from reporters at his press conference.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is championing a groundbreaking ceremony that he hails as a big step forward for Everglades restoration.
During a press conference in Palm Beach County, the Governor highlighted the new inflow pump station that plays a major role in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir project.
“This will have nine pumps and will be one of the largest pump stations in the entire state,” DeSantis said. “Florida will have the capability to move approximately 3 billion gallons of water per day from Lake Okeechobee into the EAA reservoir. … Today’s groundbreaking marks the 80th milestone event in Everglade’s restoration that has taken place since 2019.”
DeSantis didn’t take questions during Thursday’s event. He also did not hold a press conference Wednesday after Democrats posted big election victories Tuesday night.
DeSantis has focused on Everglades restoration, saying it’s an important investment for both Floridians’ quality of life and to boost the economy.
The latest project required Florida working to reach an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to speed up the work, officials said.
“The EAA inflow pump station is more than a construction project. It is a key piece that makes the crown jewel of Everglades restoration possible,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert, joining DeSantis at the podium.
“This pump station will move water into the EAA reservoir, helping reduce harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee and send more clean water south to the Everglades.”
At 17,000 acres, the EAA Reservoir — which is bigger than Manhattan — will send clean water southward “as nature intended,” according to the project’s website.
“The reservoir will provide clean freshwater to America’s Everglades in the dry season. The water will also help recharge the Biscayne Aquifer, which provides drinking water to millions in South Florida, while helping balance the salinity of Florida Bay,” the website also said.
