Securing Funds to Improve the Transportation Network

Although it seems that not much is going on right now during the very hot summer and summer vacation for the children, and vacation time for employees, and the BCC on their planned annual summer sabbatical; there is still plenty going on! Recently I spoke with Trinity Scott, Deputy Department Head for the Growth Management Department. Trinity has been involved with all aspects of road projects for many years, and just a note from me - she really knows her stuff! Planning for the ultimate I-75/SR-951 Interchange has been on the drawing board for nearly 20 years, with the master planning efforts beginning in the early 2000’s. The Interchange was first programmed for 2015, but FDOT deferred the construction funding during three separate work programs to its current programmed year FY 24/25. This ultimate interchange, it is said, is vital to continue the economic development efforts in the activity center and surrounding area. However, based on the 2020 Annual Update and Inventory Report (AUIR), the link of SR-951 between Collier Boulevard and I-75 (Davis Blvd) is deficient in the PM hours. The vested trips on the link are associated with significant development anticipated around the immediate interchange area, approved in the early 2000’s. With the recent approvals of the Amazon Distribution Center situated within the I-75 Collier Boulevard Commercial Center and Uline Distribution Center located in the City Gate PUD, many of the vested trips will now impact the system. Therefore, the interchange improvements must remain a priority!

At the Sept. 12, 2020 Collier MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization), it was announced an anticipated $1.5 million shortfall in the FDOT’s statewide revenue projections for the upcoming five years, and adjustments would be necessary for the work program! This Interchange remains a priority, not only for Collier County but also FDOT! While FDOT has maintained the current programmed schedule in their work program, as revenues continue to be scarce, it may become harder for FDOT to do so in the future. However, in March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law by President Biden, which will provide recovery funds to States for distribution. Unfortunately, the provisions of the law related to restriction of use of funds by the State are awaiting further guidance from the federal government to ensure proper use. The County reached out to FDOT to determine if there was a possibility for the Department to advance and lock in the vital interchange improvements. FDOT has proposed a design/build/finance opportunity. The total amount the County would be expected to provide prior to advertisement is estimated at $16,624,797, of which $5,355,880 is non-reimbursable utility relocation costs in the amount of $1,250,322. Sources of funding for this project will include a combination of transportation impact fees, gas tax revenue, utility user fees and ad valorem tax revenue. 

This project was brought before the County Commission on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, and approved unanimously. The County Manager or his designee will coordinate with the Florida DOT to bring back a formal agreement to advance this I-75 at SR-951 critical interchange improvement to the transportation network.

*Rookery Bay Research Reserve has been given approval to fling their doors open and provide the many programs everyone has been missing. To refresh your memory about many opportunities at Rookery Bay - you can learn about the environment of coastal Southwest Florida and experience the natural world hands-on with marine life touch tanks, interactive exhibits and coastal habitat displays. Kids and grownups can explore the Center and discover the plants, fish, and wildlife in the 110,000 acres of land/water called Rookery Bay Research. September is National Estuaries Celebration from September 1 through September 30, with a big celebration at the Environmental Learning Center on Saturday, September 25 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM which will offer discounts on eco-tours by boat and kayak, led by biologists. Other highlights in September are a 20% discount on guided eco-tours, photography workshop, Mangrove Coast film, Touch Tank and Aquariums, Butterfly Garden and Meditation Area, Art Exhibit in Gallery and Kids Coloring and Self-Guided Activities. Rookery Bay is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Adults $8, children ages six to 12 - $5, and under six years old is free. They even have kid’s crafts and guided activities and interactive trivia, a Scavenger Hunt, and so much more, and they are just waiting to meet you!! Come on down!