MEETING CANCELLED
The Lee County Department of Transportation (DOT) invites you to the Big Carlos Pass Bridge Project Development & Environment Study Public Hearing on Thursday, March 19, 2020, at the Bay Oaks Recreation Center, 2731 Oak Street, Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931. We’ve included a project and meeting location map below for your reference.
The hearing begins with an open house at 5 p.m. and follows with a formal presentation and public comment period at 6 p.m. People attending the hearing can review project displays and speak one-on-one with project team members. Written statements or exhibits submitted at the hearing, emailed, or mailed and postmarked by Monday, March 30, 2020, will become part of the official hearing transcript.
On Dec. 18, 2018, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners approved the fixed span bridge on the gulf side of the existing bridge as the preferred alternative. Lee County DOT will present the preferred alternative at the public hearing. The no-build rehabilitation alternative will remain viable throughout the remainder of this study.
Lee County DOT is sending notices to all property owners located within at least 300 feet of the project study area, from approximately Estrella Drive south to the entrance of Lovers Key State Park, and other interested parties. Please see attached. Lee County DOT welcomes and appreciates the community’s participation in the project. The meeting gives everyone an opportunity to express their views about the proposed improvements.
Project information and graphics showing the proposed improvements will be available for public viewing at two locations from Feb. 26, 2020, to March 30, 2020. The first location will be the Fort Myers Beach Public Library at 2755 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931. The library is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday; closed on Sunday. The second location is the Lee County DOT office at 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers, Florida 33901.
This public hearing was advertised consistent with federal and state requirements, Section 335.199, F.S., and developed in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes. Lee County DOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lee County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs, or activities. To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a reasonable modification to participate, contact Joan LaGuardia, (239) 533-2314, Florida Relay Service 711, or jlaguardia@leegov.com. Accommodation will be provided at no cost to the requestor. Requests should be made at least five business days in advance. You can find additional information on the project website at www.BigCarlosBridgeProject.com.
The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated Dec. 14, 2016 and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.
The public is encouraged to participate in the “Big Carlos Pass Bridge Project” public hearing. Questions or comments regarding the project, can be directed to:
Tom Marquardt, Public Works Programs Manager
Lee County Department of Transportation
1500 Monroe Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Telephone: 239-533-8530
TMarquardt@leegov.com
Please note: Media should contact Betsy Clayton, bclayton@leegov.com, or Kris Cella, kcella@cella.cc