One of the primary topics was the presentation by Michael Tompkins, the lead project manager from the South Florida Water Management District, who updated the committee on the Lockahhatchee River Watershed Restoration Project. This project, part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, was authorized by Congress in 2020 and aims to improve freshwater flows to the Northwest Fork of the Lockahhatchee River. Tompkins outlined the project’s five main objectives: restoring wet and dry season flows, enhancing estuarine habitats, increasing wetland extent, improving watershed connections, and boosting biodiversity. By meeting specific flow targets, the project promises to enhance the ecological health of the river and its surroundings, while also providing recreational opportunities for the community.

The restoration project covers approximately 480,000 acres and is seen as a dual benefit initiative, offering both ecological improvements and enhanced recreational opportunities. Tompkins stressed the importance of community engagement and urged the committee to provide input on the ongoing development of the watershed restoration efforts. His presentation included a visual representation of the study area, giving committee members a clear understanding of the project’s scope and objectives.

Additionally, the meeting delved into three key flowway projects designed to improve water management in the Tequesta area. This project is intended to capture excess water from the Indian Trail Improvement District’s lower basin and store it for future release to the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River. Although litigation issues had previously delayed the project, it is now scheduled to enter the design phase, with construction anticipated to begin by fiscal year 2026.

Flowway Two, or the C18 West impoundment, focuses on delivering water to the Northwest Fork by capturing water from the Indian Trail Improvement District’s upper basin. The design team opted to consolidate the project from three pump stations into one. This flowway includes a seepage canal with weirs to manage water levels and prevent water from leaving the site, with preliminary design work set to commence in December of the current year.

Flowway Three involves projects primarily in Martin County, with some impacts in Palm Beach County. These include regrading at Gulfstream East, improvements to Hog Grove ditch, and the construction of a bridge across Hog Grove ditch. These efforts aim to increase water flow and enhance hydrology by balancing wetland conditions in the area. Gulfstream East restoration work is prioritized to begin construction next year, with regrading efforts designed to fill in agricultural ditches and restore natural topography.

The meeting also touched on the Kitchen Creek restoration project in Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which has seen changes from its initial plans. The project now includes a small pump station to convey water through a pressurized pipeline to targeted restoration areas, rather than the originally planned weir, reflecting efforts to mitigate potential impacts on groundwater storage in neighboring properties. Construction for this project is anticipated around mid-2027.

Discussions during the meeting extended to the broader timeline and funding of these projects, with construction projected to conclude by approximately 2033. The projects are cost-shared between the state and the Army Corps of Engineers, with concerns raised about potential future construction cost increases due to inflation and supply chain issues. The original budget of $770 million has already risen to over $1 billion.

In addition to these major projects, the committee considered a variety of other environmental initiatives, such as a seawall inventory and incentives for mangrove restoration. The idea of establishing a hazardous waste amnesty day was proposed, modeled after a successful paper shredding event held biannually. This initiative aims to facilitate the proper disposal of hazardous waste by providing a convenient drop-off system for residents. The committee acknowledged the importance of handling such waste correctly, given the risks associated with improper storage, and discussed collaborating with waste management to organize the event.