The Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is beginning preparation for the Everglades Harbor project to address maneuverability, and safety concerns within the federal channel of Everglades Harbor, FL.
The non-federal sponsor is the City of Everglades, FL. Funding is provided through the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022, and the utilizing authority granted under River and Harbors Act of 1960, Public Law 86-645m House Document 147-86, 14 July 1960.
The Corps is currently gathering information to define issues and concerns that will be addressed in an analysis to be prepared in compliance with NEPA. The project area is comprised of 8 miles of the Everglades channel. The channel begins in Everglades City, passes through Chokoloskee Bay, into Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and out to the Atlantic Ocean.
Courtesy The United States Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District
Initial construction of Everglades Harbor was completed in 1963 and was estimated to have a 50-year project life. With the project well past its expiration date, the channel is due to be dredged. Within the project area there are mangrove wetlands, a potential for seagrass, fish and wildlife resources, endangered species and designated critical habitat. The purpose of the proposed Everglades Harbor project is to maintain safe and efficient vessel navigation through the harbor.
The need of the project is driven by the accumulation of sediment, commonly referred to as shoaling. The shoaling has reduced depths, hindering safe and efficient vessel navigation. Issues that are anticipated include concern for recreation, commercial and recreational fisheries, fish and wildlife resource, essential fish habitat, threatened and endangered species, and water quality.
The corps welcomes your views, comments and information about environmental and cultural resources, study objectives and important features within the described project area.
The Corps will accept written comments on the proposed project until August 23, 2024. Submit comments via email to Rachel.S.Case@usace.army.mil or by U.S. mail to Dept. of the Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, 701 San Marco Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. Comments received by the deadline will be included in future mailings. Requests to be added to the mailing list can also be emailed to the above address. Your timely input is essential for the project.
