WEST PALM BEACH – The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is taking another step to expedite and complete the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir Project at the direction of Gov. Ron DeSantis. With full funding in place, SFWMD began advertising the final contract today for the Stormwater Treatment Area component of the EAA Reservoir Project that moves clean water from Lake Okeechobee south to the Everglades. Bids are anticipated to be opened in January 2021.

The Request for Bids (RFB) includes two pump stations, inflow and outflow canals, levees, culverts, and earthwork necessary to make the natural water cleaning function properly. Additional details for potential bidders can be found at SFWMD.gov/Procurement.

The EAA Reservoir Project is a joint Everglades restoration project between SFWMD and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The 6,500-acre STA, which is being built by SFWMD, will clean the water to meet stringent state water quality standards before it is sent south. The 10,500-acre reservoir, which will be built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will hold 240,000 acre-feet of water.