Army Corps Commander Tours Everglades Project
Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Bostick, commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, reviewed progress being made on the Tamiami Trail Modifications project, part of the largest environmental restoration projects the agency is handling.
Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Bostick, commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, took an airboat ride during his visit to the Everglades on Oct. 10 as he reviewed the environmental restoration work being performed by ACE's Jacksonville District and partnering agencies. "USACE has one of the largest environmental restoration and sustainability roles in the federal government, and the Everglades restoration is our largest project of this kind," Bostick said, according to an ACE news release. "After viewing firsthand the enormous challenges facing Everglades restoration and meeting with our partners in this effort, I am absolutely convinced that working together, we can achieve restoration goals and improve this ecological treasure for future generations."
Bostick visited the Tamiami Trail Modifications project site in Miami-Dade County, which is sponsored by the National Park Service, and met with Col. Alan Dodd, Jacksonville District commander, and members of the project team to discuss the ongoing construction at the site. "Progress continues to be made in Everglades restoration," Dodd said. "This progress is contingent upon the commitment of this district and our partnering agencies. Through a dedicated and collaborative effort, we will not only continue to move forward in our restoration goals, but also fulfill our obligation to the nation to preserve this national treasure."
The $81 million Tamiami Trail project began in 2010. It includes construction of a one-mile bridge and raising and reinforcing an additional 9.7 miles of road, allowing increased water flows to Everglades National Park that are considered essential to the health and viability of the Everglades.
"A major construction milestone for the Tamiami Trail Modifications project was reached July 13 as the first concrete pour on the bridge deck was completed," said Tim Brown, Jacksonville District project manager. "This milestone signified the start toward the end of the project's bridge construction. However, there is still more work to do, and it is our collective discipline that will ensure our project's success."