FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 16, 2004
CONTACT: Deena Wells, (850) 245-2112
Loxahatchee Restoration Moves Ahead
--Everglades project completed on time
and under budget—
PALM BEACH – Water managers today began moving
water to restore a natural flow to the Loxahatchee Slough as
part of the $8 billion, 30-year plan to save America’s
Everglades. Completed on time and under budget, the G-160
structure will provide essential fresh water to the eight
mile Loxahatchee River and flood protection to residents in
Palm Beach County.
“Completion of the G-160 is another step forward in the
restoration of America’s Everglades,” said Department of
Environmental Protection Secretary David B. Struhs.
“Providing a natural flow of water to the 14,000-acre slough
will restore habitat, improve water quality in the
Loxahatchee River and enhance restoration efforts downstream
in Jonathan Dickinson State Park.”
The 14,000-acre Loxahatchee Slough is one of the largest
wilderness island refuges of undisturbed wetland in Palm
Beach County. Historically, the slough marked the
northernmost part of the Everglades, draining into both the
Everglades and the Loxahatchee River.
"The South Florida Water Management District has done an
outstanding job for America's Everglades and the people of
South Florida," said Secretary Struhs. "Sound and resourceful
environmental management is putting us ahead of schedule and
under budget.”
Construction began last April on the G-160 structure.
Built in partnership by the South Florida Water Management
District and Palm Beach County, it is one of several key
restoration projects planned for the Loxahatchee River and
Slough. The District saved over $70,000, which will be used
for dredging the C-18 canal and improving recreational
facilities.
Design features include stainless steel gates, canoe
portage and a control building with emergency generator. The
structure will maintain water elevations at natural levels
ranging from a high of 17.5 feet in the wet season to a low
of 15 to 16 feet during dry periods. It will complement
existing stormwater drainage facilities to maintain existing
flood protection for the surrounding area.
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04-008
Press Office
