Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Director Don Scott briefs the MPO Executive Committee on state and federal transportation funding proposals during a June 10 meeting at the Cape Coral Public Works building. The discussion included more than $17.5 million in proposed transportation projects for Lee County and local jurisdictions.
Evan Williams
Florida’s new $114.5 billion state budget includes more than $17.5 million for roadway and transportation projects in Lee County and its local jurisdictions, pending Gov. Ron DeSantis’ approval or veto before July 1.
Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Director Don Scott said he expects some projects could be cut after DeSantis recently indicated he plans to use line-item vetoes this year. Last year, the governor vetoed $567 million from the budget.
Scott reviewed the transportation funding proposals during a June 10 meeting of the MPO Executive Committee at the Cape Coral Public Works building.
He also presented highlights from a draft federal transportation bill, the Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th Act, which would impose new annual fees on electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles and establish a framework for autonomous interstate trucking.
Motorists and cyclists travel along Old 41 Road in downtown Bonita Springs. City officials say growing demand on roadways highlights the need for transportation improvements.
Evan Williams
Among the state-funded projects, lawmakers approved $7.5 million for a Lee County study examining long-term plans for a new Interstate 75 interchange at a location to be determined between State Road 78 and Tuckers Grade Boulevard. Even if the study is completed and supports moving forward with design, Scott said the project remains years away.
Other Lee County funding includes $2.5 million for a SUN Trail sidewalk in Iona.
Fort Myers Beach projects include $150,000 for downtown stormwater improvements and $250,000 for additional road improvements.
In Bonita Springs, lawmakers approved $1 million for a Bonita Beach Road landscaping design project, $600,000 for the Bonita Beach Road and Imperial Parkway Gateway Aesthetic Project and $1 million for bicycle and pedestrian improvements along Paradise Road.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to review Florida’s $114.5 billion state budget before July 1, including more than $17.5 million in proposed transportation funding for Lee County and local jurisdictions. Transportation officials say some projects could be subject to line-item vetoes.
WINK News
Additional projects include $800,000 for improvements at Williams Road and Atlantic Gulf Boulevard in Estero, $2.5 million for evacuation improvements along Northeast 24th Avenue in Cape Coral and $1.25 million to reconstruct the shared-use path on Sanibel Island.
The budget also directs the Lee, Collier and Charlotte-Punta Gorda MPOs to complete a feasibility study by Dec. 31 examining the costs, benefits and process of consolidating into a single regional organization. The study will be funded through the Florida Department of Transportation’s planning grant trust fund.
Meanwhile, federal lawmakers are developing legislation to replace the current transportation funding package, which expires Sept. 30.
A draft of the BUILD America 250 Act released in May would authorize $580 billion in transportation spending over five years, according to a Lee MPO summary.
The proposal would require states to collect annual registration fees of $130 for electric vehicles and $35 for plug-in hybrids, with biennial increases capped at $150 and $50, respectively.
The Edison Bridge serves as a key route across the Caloosahatchee River. Proposed striping would add bike lanes on both sides.
Evan Williams
The bill also could accelerate the use of autonomous trucks by creating a federal framework for automated commercial vehicles operating across state lines and requiring operators to report safety incidents.
Among other provisions, BUILD would provide funding for bridge construction and repairs, create a Surface Transportation Accelerator Grants program focused on multimodal transportation and continue the Safe Streets and Roads for All program.
The legislation would eliminate general program funding for Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-Saving Transportation, which supports projects that make transportation infrastructure more resilient to natural hazards. However, discretionary grant funding for the program would continue.
It also would repeal the Carbon Reduction Program, which funds projects aimed at reducing transportation-related emissions.