The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has granted Disney’s request for an extension to update its plans for replacing the current Rivers of America with attractions themed to the Pixar “Cars” franchise.
After requests for permit revisions and a ten-day deadline to update the plans by December 13, Disney requested a 60-day extension. The request was partially granted, with the new deadline being January 9. 2025. By that deadline, Disney must revise and clarify its plans to re-route and modify the stormwater management system behind Tom Sawyer Island and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which flows into the current Rivers of America.
With the Rivers of America being filled in for the new Cars-themed attractions, Disney must properly maintain the system, which is critical for environmental protection and facilitating proper water flow.
Specifically, Disney must address questions proposed about wetland impacts, stormwater management, mitigation, and effects on local wildlife. This includes a detailed map of the current wetland conditions and areas the construction will impact, clarifications on mitigation plans for wetland disturbances, and plans to minimize environmental effects on listed wildlife species.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Removing the river is a very sad project. I wish Disney would find another way forward.
We were told months ago that shovels were in the ground, dirt was moving… Disney continues to just lie to everyone.
It’s a terrible idea to fill in the river so its a good thing they lied here. But they are just a total failure of a company at this point.
I agree that the river should remain. This will totally alter the feel of the Liberty Square area. It would be a FAR better idea to re-engineer the race car section to this venue. They could replace the gasoline powered cars with electric vehicles as an added bonus.