Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, Acceler8 Program

As one of the country’s most important and iconic water systems, the Everglades is a symbol for the State of Florida and a major focus for ongoing environmental management. Florida and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are partners on large-scale, precedent-setting restoration efforts, implementing a Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) to benefit the interconnected South Florida ecosystem.

Recognizing that a healthy ecosystem is vital to a healthy economy, the South Florida Water Management District is leading initiatives to improve water quality, increase storage, and reestablish historic flows. Our job? As part of a joint venture, we provided program management services on the implementation of the CERP, specifically the state’s accelerated projects, known as Acceler8.

Our work focused on water resources infrastructure improvements including above-ground reservoirs, wetland treatment areas, pump stations, levees, and canals—an investment of approximately $2 billion. Our work included real estate acquisition, site development, planning, and permitting.

Serving as a framework to restore, protect, and preserve the water resources of Central and Southern Florida, the CERP is the world’s largest ecosystem restoration effort. By capturing fresh water that now flows unused to the ocean and gulf, the CERP projects will revive a dying ecosystem and enhance water supplies in Florida.