SFWMD advances $1.62B budget fueled by $280M federal boost for Everglades infrastructure

SFWMD advances $1.62B budget fueled by $280M federal boost for Everglades infrastructureThe South Florida Water Management District has adopted a tentative $1.62 billion budget for FY2026-2027, driven by a significant injection of federal funds to support major pumping and flowway projects.

The tentative $1.62 billion budget represents a $280 million increase from the current year, primarily due to federal Section 1043 funding.

The federal funds are earmarked for the EAA 636 pump station and the Blue Shanty flowway.

The District also received U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approval to solicit contracts for the final EAA Reservoir seepage pump station, with a contract expected by the end of the year.

Millage rates will remain unchanged for the 29th consecutive year, while Everglades restoration and operations account for 92% of planned expenditures.

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) governing board approved a tentative $1.62 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 during its September 10 meeting, heavily supported by new federal funding for critical water infrastructure. Candy Heater, Division Director for Administrative Services, noted that the budget represents a $280 million increase over the current adopted budget. This surge is primarily driven by federal revenues recognized through the Section 1043 process. The funds will be directed toward the district's land acquisition, restoration, and public works portfolio, specifically supporting the EAA 636 pump station and the Blue Shanty flowway. Overall, Everglades restoration alongside operations and maintenance will account for 92% of the district's expenditures. In tandem with the budget developments, Executive Director Drew Bartlett announced a major procurement milestone for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir. The District received approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Jacksonville to release the solicitation package for the reservoir's final seepage pump station. "We're putting that package together. Hopefully, we'll get that out next week and hopefully have a contract to sign," Bartlett said, adding that the district aims to bring the contract to the board in November and execute it by the end of the year. The station is designed to control seepage out of the reservoir and provide flood control for neighboring areas. To fund its local share of operations, the SFWMD board voted to maintain its combined millage rates for the 29th consecutive year. Ad valorem taxes, state sources, and federal funding make up 90% of the district's revenues. Bartlett also highlighted the district's long-term operational efficiency to support the budget adoption. He noted that while contract management and infrastructure building have increased by 600% over the past 15 years, the agency has managed to reduce its operating budget by 12% and its full-time equivalent headcount by 17% through automated administrative and financial systems.