December 22, 2016
West Palm Beach, FL - South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) engineers today began adjusting water levels on a portion of the Kissimmee River between Osceola and Okeechobee counties as part of the final phase of the river's historic restoration.
Lowering the water level between two key structures, S-65A and S-65C, that control flow on the river is necessary for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete backfilling of approximately 7 miles of the channelized portion of the river. Once complete, water will flow into the winding oxbows of the river's historic natural state.
Beginning the draw down during the dry season is being carefully done to create no adverse effects on the ecology of the river and is designed to closely mirror the natural system.
The Corps has restricted navigation near the construction area, and posted notice online here.