MELBOURNE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Monday the completion of the Crane Creek M1 Canal flow restoration project, a major effort to improve water quality and restore natural water flow between the St. Johns River and the Indian River Lagoon.
DeSantis, joined by Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert and other state leaders, highlighted the state’s commitment to protecting its unique natural resources.
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“We are lucky to have a very unique state. We’re blessed with some really significant natural Marvels,” DeSantis said. “We have over 4 million licensed anglers. People come from all over the world to come to see some of the destinations.”
Secretary Alexis Lambert called the project “a powerful example of what we can achieve for smart planning, strategic investment, and strong Partnerships.” She noted it moves 2.5 billion gallons of water through a stormwater treatment area annually, removing about 24,000 pounds of nitrogen and 3,100 pounds of phosphorus — “the equivalent of a dump truck full of nutrients.”
Since 2019, Florida has invested nearly $8 billion to restore and protect its waterways, Lambert said, thanking the legislature and the St. Johns River Water Management District for their leadership.
“This project protects water quality, safeguards wildlife and stream things like humidity’s way of life,” DeSantis said.
It is expected to keep an estimated 24,000 pounds of nitrogen and 31,000 pounds of phosphorus out of waterways annually and provide up to 7 million gallons of fresh water daily without overusing aquifers.
Rob Bradley, chairman of the St. Johns River Water Management District, praised the progress made since DeSantis took office in 2018, calling the governor’s environmental efforts “one of the greatest legacies” for Florida’s natural environment.
