Why a new underground wall could help save the Everglades

HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis attended a groundbreaking ceremony Friday for an underground wall project to support Everglades restoration.

The South Florida Water Management District held the ceremony for the construction of an underground seepage wall in the 8.5 square mile area in the Las Palmas community.

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Officials said the underground concrete wall is designed to help mitigate flooding and keep water in Everglades National Park.

The project will also support increased flows of water south which are necessary for Everglades restoration, officials said.

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“When I took office, I made Everglades restoration and protection of Florida’s water resources a top priority,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis in a news release. “My administration has provided record investments and expedited key projects to restore the Everglades and send more water south. Today’s groundbreaking is yet another example of my administration’s commitment to Florida’s natural resources.”

Officials said seepage walls help limit the flow of water underground that can lead to above-ground flooding.

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This seepage wall will be over two miles long, 63 feet deep, and 26 inches wide, according to a news release.

Officials said the wall will work with other Everglades restoration projects to send more water south and construction is set to finish in April 2022.

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