The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Monday an expedited timeline for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir, a key component of South Florida’s Everglades restoration efforts, with construction now scheduled for completion by 2029 — five years ahead of the original 2034 target. 
Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle made the announcement at an event in Belle Glade, stating that certain project elements would be delegated to Florida officials to speed delivery. All federally funded contracts for the reservoir have been executed, securing resources through completion. 
“The Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir will improve the flow of clean water when and where it’s needed to restore the Everglades, protect drinking water, and fuel economic certainty in Southern Florida,” Telle said.
The EAA Reservoir is part of the Central Everglades Planning Project. It involves three main contracts: Contract 10A (inflow, outflow, and seepage canals, now complete), Contract 11A (reservoir foundation, targeted for March 2028), and Contract 11B (embankment and water control structures, due by December 2029).
The acceleration stems from a 2025 agreement between the federal government and the state of Florida aimed at reducing delays. 
Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), a longtime advocate for the project who attended the event, called the development a major advancement for the Everglades and the St. Lucie Estuary.
“HUGE win for the Everglades and the St. Lucie Estuary! Instead of being over budget and behind schedule, today’s announcement will get the EAA Reservoir completed nearly five years earlier than anticipated,” Mast posted. “Let’s get it done!”
Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-Fla.), co-chair and co-founder of the Congressional Everglades Caucus, also welcomed the news. He noted that he has helped secure $6.5 billion in federal funding for broader Everglades restoration and praised the partnership between Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Trump administration.
The project is designed to capture, store, and distribute water more effectively, improving water quality and reducing harmful discharges to coastal estuaries while supporting the region’s environment and economy. Officials described the accelerated timeline as an example of efforts to prioritize infrastructure delivery over delays.
