Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the completion of the C-23 Canal Estuary Discharge Diversion Project to divert harmful discharges, including algal blooms away from the St. Lucie Estuary and the Indian River lagoon while speaking at a press conference in Palm City this week.
The project, which began in 2023, cost over $50 million to complete.
“Today, we celebrated the completion of the C-23 Estuary Discharge Diversion Project, a milestone in Everglades restoration that will transform water quality along the Indian River Lagoon,” DeSantis said in a statement. “Since I became governor, we’ve made record-breaking investments in projects to improve water quality by addressing underlying issues, and those investments are delivering real results. Florida gets things done, and we’re proud of our infrastructure improvements that preserve and improve the quality of life in our state.”
As part of the state's Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, the C-23 Project will specifically decrease harmful discharges including toxic algal blooms to the St. Lucie Estuary by steering excess water from the C-23 Canal to the C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area (STA). The project includes construction of a 7-mile canal and a new pump station with three pumps capable of distributing 112,000 gallons of water per minute.
Operational testing of the project, which began in May, has already redirected 4.8 billion gallons away from the St. Lucie Estuary resulting in improved water quality for the Indian River lagoon. The St. Lucie Estuary, located in St. Lucie and Martin counties, runs directly into the Indian River lagoon in Stuart.
“With the opening of the C-23 Estuary Diversion Project, we are taking a major step forward preventing harmful discharges from reaching the St. Lucie Estuary and Indian River Lagoon,” Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert added. “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has made unprecedented progress toward improving Florida’s waterways and estuaries, creating a healthier environment that Floridians and visitors will enjoy for generations to come.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis has made improving water quality and restoring the Everglades a priority of his administration including with the expedited completement of the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir project. DeSantis has invested in $9.5 billion in Everglades restoration during his two terms overall.
