Major Bell, deputy commander for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Jacksonville District), gave a detailed update to Martin County commissioners on Dec. 2 covering broad restoration planning and specific local projects.

Bell reviewed the Central and Southern Florida Project (CNSF) authority and the role of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (SERP) in guiding federal work. He summarized differences between the previous Lake Okeechobee regulation schedule (LORS) and the newer LOSEM approach, which uses a broader set of ecological indicators to inform release decisions to estuaries and Everglades impacts.

On Lake Okeechobee operations, Bell said the Army Corps’ Lake Okeechobee recovery operations concluded in March and “we’ve saved 22,500 acre‑feet from being released through the S‑80 structure and stored in C‑44,” producing benefits to the lake and estuary system and allowing sub‑aquatic vegetation to regrow. He noted that while the C‑44 reservoir can currently operate at about 7.8 feet, design and operational constraints must be addressed to safely raise it toward the 15‑foot design pool, and that seepage management features and cut‑off wall designs are being incorporated into future reservoirs after lessons learned at C‑44.

Bell also described the EAA Reservoir memorandum of agreement and memorandum of understanding with the state of Florida and the Department of the Army that seek to accelerate portions of the project toward a 2029 timeframe, subject to funding, permitting and other approvals. He said the Army Corps will issue an integrated delivery schedule and an interactive digital tool for public review in January and that ongoing coordination with the South Florida Water Management District and other partners remains critical.

Commissioners asked about dredging, muck removal in the Indian River Lagoon, and local oyster beds; Corps staff said coordination with county programs continues and that muck‑removal work is being advanced but federal staff are focused on EAA deliverables this year.

Bell closed by inviting further local engagement as the Corps finalizes delivery schedules and study results; county officials praised the Corps’ accessibility and said they will continue to coordinate on local projects.