Army Corps: EAA A2 reservoir on schedule; public scoping for initial fill to begin

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers briefed the County Coalition on Sept. 4, saying work on the EAA A2 Reservoir is progressing and remains a top priority. An Army Corps representative said the integrated project office has been staffed and the agency is aiming to complete the A2 Reservoir work on schedule: “that is our top priority to finish that by 2029.”

South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) staff said they are coordinating an initial-fill plan that will let the district accept water as available and test reservoir components before moving to the next fill step. SFWMD director Jennifer Reynolds said, “As water is available, we are putting water into the reservoir in accordance with the initial fill plan.” The Corps noted multiple contracts (foundation/cutoff wall and embankment contracts, described as 11a/11b) are under active construction, escrow-based contract completion is about 40 percent, and final environmental assessments and public scoping on the initial fill are planned in the coming months.

The Corps discussed logistical items tied to construction (a final granite shipment, U.S.-flag shipping requirements) and described a staged schedule for seepage management and seepage-management feature awards around 2027 with completion in 2030–31. Staff and commissioners asked for dates on draft operating plans and comment periods; Corps staff committed to provide specific dates and follow up with county staff on stakeholder coordination. The board did not take action on the reservoir at the meeting; agencies said they will bring solicitation schedules and public-input timelines to upcoming meetings.