Cape Coral to increase funding for canal water supply project

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Cape Coral city leaders are expected to approve more funding today for a project aimed at refilling the city's freshwater canals, which have been severely impacted by drought conditions across the Gulf Coast.

The funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection supports the Northeast Reservoir Project, which is designed to keep Cape Coral's canals supplied with water throughout the year, even during droughts.

The project calls for building a new pump station and water main to transfer extra water from a 570-acre reservoir, which can store up to 1.5 billion gallons of water.

The original agreement, approved in April 2023, set aside $6 million over a two-year period. Under the updated plan, another $6 million is being added, bringing total funding for the project to $12 million.

The timeline is also being pushed back, with completion now expected by April 30, 2029.

Work will span both Lee and Charlotte counties and includes new water mains and underground pipe tunnels along U.S. 41, built within the Florida Department of Transportation's right-of-way.

City officials say these changes are needed as low water levels continue to affect boating, irrigation, and daily routines for residents across Cape Coral.

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