District will build 2.3-mile stretch of underground wall to keep water in Everglades National Park and mitigate flooding near the 8.5 Square Mile Area

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board today approved the construction of a 2.3-mile long curtain wall along the 8.5 Square Mile Area (Las Palmas Community) in unincorporated Miami-Dade County. The underground wall will help prevent seepage of water away from Everglades National Park, support ongoing Everglades restoration goals and support the increase of the flow of water south.

The 2.3-mile long, 26-inch wide curtain wall, in conjunction with other projects SFWMD has completed, will help prevent this seepage of water from Everglades National Park while keeping the water in the park to support restoration goals. Subject to future years' funding and approval from the Governing Board, the District may expand the wall after the completion of the 2.3-mile long wall. Construction is expected to take 12-16 months.

Media Contact: 
Randy Smith |  rrsmith@sfwmd.gov   |  Office: 561-682-6197  |  Cell: 561-389-3386

The South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern part of the state. It is the oldest and largest of the state's five water management districts. Our mission is to safeguard and restore South Florida's water resources and ecosystems, protect our communities from flooding, and meet the region's water needs while connecting with the public and stakeholders.