PALMETTO BAY, Fla. – The Everglades Foundation today released the following statement by Chief Executive Officer Eric Eichenberg regarding Governor Ron DeSantis signing a $665 million fiscal year 2026-27 budget for Everglades restoration, including funds needed to complete the state portion of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) reservoir.
“Governor Ron DeSantis today signed a budget that continues to advance Everglades restoration, advancing the world’s largest ecosystem restoration effort and one of the most important projects for our state’s environment and economy.
“This funding also includes what is needed to complete the state portion of the EAA Reservoir, a central and critical piece of the Everglades restoration puzzle that is expected to arrive five years ahead of schedule.
“Beyond the funding impact of this budget alone, this budget adds to the historic amount of funding set aside for repairs under Governor DeSantis’ leadership.
“Not only has he delivered on the promises he made in two separate executive orders at the beginning of each term, he has also secured nearly $9.5 billion in funding for Everglades restoration and water quality projects since taking office.
“On behalf of the Foundation, I would like to thank the Governor for his personal commitment to advancing important Everglades infrastructure projects, primarily the EAA Reservoir, that will eliminate harmful coastal runoff and restore America’s Everglades for generations to come.”
