JACKSONVILLE — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is celebrating 25 years of progress under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), marking a milestone defined by accelerating construction, major engineering achievements, and measurable environmental benefits across South Florida.

Authorized by Congress in December 2000, CERP has transformed from a long-range restoration blueprint into one of the most advanced ecosystem recovery programs in the world - driven in large part by USACE’s sustained leadership in planning, design, and construction.

Over the last quarter century, USACE has delivered foundational studies, major restoration infrastructure, and a robust project pipeline that positions USACE, along with our partners, to deliver the full restoration vision for America’s Everglades.

The early years of CERP established the program’s foundation, initial project authorizations, pilot results, and early construction successes that make today’s restoration momentum possible.

Major achievements include the completion of Phase 1 of the Site 1 Impoundment, Melaleuca Eradication, and C-111 Spreader Canal Western Project, substantial construction at the Picayune Strand Restoration Project and full project completion by January 2026; restored freshwater flow to Biscayne Bay through Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands with construction completion by December 31, 2025; significant progress constructing the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP); including accelerating construction of the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir, a flagship CERP feature that will provide needed water storage to protect the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Estuaries while providing more water to benefit the Everglades and Florida Bay.

CERP projects are already delivering measurable environmental improvements:

The Indian River Lagoon – South Project’s C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area completed in 2020 is operational and providing habitat for wildlife such as alligators, and numerous bird species, including mottled ducks, roseate spoonbills, white pelicans, wood storks, sandhill cranes, snail kites, great blue herons, great egrets, and migratory shorebirds.

The Picayune Strand Restoration Project is restoring over 55,000 acres of land. Restoration benefits are being observed in areas that have been rehydrated such as the reestablishment of native plant communities and animals returning to the area, including wood storks and the endangered Florida panther.

The Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Phase 1 project has numerous completed construction project features and early restoration benefits are being observed. Red mangroves and sawgrass are repopulating their historic regions, and there is an increased abundance of amphibians, invertebrates, fish, and numerous bird species. As freshwater is more spread out from canals to the wetlands to the bay, nearshore salinity levels are returning to optimum estuarine ranges.

Modified Water Deliveries, Tamiami Trail Next Steps Phase I, and the C-111 Spreader Canal Western Project are improving hydrology in the southern portion of the Everglades.

These projects are working together through their operations (i.e., Combined Operational Plan) to rehydrate Shark River Slough and Taylor Slough and, along with increased rainfall, are the likely cause of reductions in sustained hyper salinities in Florida Bay and improved submerged aquatic vegetation community composition.

With new reservoirs, treatment wetlands, coastal improvements, and decompartmentalization features underway across the region, CERP is entering its most productive era yet, with more project benefits expected as additional projects are completed and begin to operate.

“For 25 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been at the forefront of delivering one of the most complex and consequential restoration efforts in the world,” said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District Commander Col. Brandon Bowman. “The progress we’re celebrating today reflects the skill, dedication, and determination of our teams. The foundation we’ve built sets the stage for even greater achievements as we continue restoring America’s Everglades.”

As CERP enters its next phase, USACE remains committed to advancing restoration with urgency, technical excellence, and strong partnership with the State of Florida. With major projects moving through construction and a fully developed restoration pathway in place, the momentum behind CERP has never been stronger. The first 25 years built the foundation – now we are on a path to deliver the full transformation.

For updates and information on CERP, follow USACE Jacksonville District on social media at facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict or visit www.saj.usace.army.mil.