Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) Contract 11A, Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) A-2 Reservoir Foundation & Cutoff Wall Project

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) is a collaborative initiative between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) aimed at restoring the central Everglades ecosystem. The project focuses on improving freshwater flows to enhance ecological health and address water supply challenges in South Florida. The specific contract modification pertains to the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) A-2 Reservoir Foundation & Cutoff Wall Project, which is critical for capturing and redirecting water to benefit the Everglades and Florida Bay. Work Details The contract modification involves construction tasks related to the EAA A-2 Reservoir, which includes expanding water storage, treatment, and conveyance capabilities south of Lake Okeechobee. This project aims to restore natural flow patterns, depths, and durations in the Everglades ecosystem. The urgency for this modification arises from deteriorating ecological conditions due to population growth, sea level rise, and insufficient water storage leading to muck fires and habitat degradation. The EAA Reservoir is expected to mitigate these issues by enhancing water storage capacity, improving connectivity of flows, and supporting regional water supply needs. Period of Performance The contract modification aims for completion by December 31, 2029, as part of an accelerated schedule to address urgent restoration needs. Place of Performance Palm Beach County, Florida.