$60 Million Transportation Grant for Tamiami Trail to Advance Everglades Restoration

MIAMI – The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the National Park Service $60 million today to complete phase three of the historic Tamiami Trail project. The $60 million, combined with a $40 million commitment from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, will support the critical next phase of bridging and elevating Tamiami Trail to restore historic freshwater flow to Everglades National Park and Florida Bay.

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded funding to the National Park Service and the Florida Department of Transportation through the Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Program in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.

The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has long supported Tamiami Trail bridging efforts and Everglades restoration. Since 1989, when Congress recognized the need for action by authorizing the critical restoration project for the park, NPCA has worked alongside allied conservation groups, businesses and citizens to support sending clean water under Tamiami Trail to rehydrate Everglades National Park.

Statement by Cara Capp, Everglades Restoration Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association

“The National Parks Conservation Association applauds the Department of Transportation, the Florida congressional delegation, Governor Ron DeSantis and the many champions who made today’s historic announcement possible. The completion of the Tamiami Trail project will be a tremendous victory for Everglades restoration and the end-result of 30 years of hard work by local communities and state and federal leaders.

“Tamiami Trail is a worthy recipient of the federal FAST Act funds, which will deliver long-term benefits for the greater Everglades ecosystem while also enhancing public safety, economic benefits, and environmental sustainability through green jobs that benefit our state’s economy. The federal and state investments will safeguard the future of Everglades National Park and Florida Bay, providing needed funding for the final phase of elevating the Tamiami Trail roadway to reconnect freshwater flows and habitat.

“This significant federal investment, coupled with Governor DeSantis’ commitment of $40 million in state funds to complete the project, advances the bold vision of restoring America’s Everglades. NPCA also applauds Senator Rubio, Senator Scott, the Florida Congressional Delegation – especially Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, the National Park Service, the Florida Department of Transportation, and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Chao for their ongoing work to secure funding for Everglades restoration.

“Florida’s waters are continually in crisis and sending clean water south is the best way to safeguard the future of the Everglades, which supplies water to over eight million Floridians. The completion of the Tamiami Trail project will benefit our children and grandchildren and serves as a testimony to successful state and federal partnerships in the name of completing critical restoration projects and restoring an iconic national park.”

A Century of Impact

Restoring the “River of Grass”

The threats to America’s Everglades are serious and complex, but NPCA continues to defend this irreplaceable landscape, as it has for 99 years.

About National Parks Conservation Association: For 100 years, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.3 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org/100