FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Kris Cella, Cella & Associates, Inc.
                      239-337-1071 FAX: 239-337-1076
                      kcella@cella.cc

Project Alternatives Update and No-Build Alternative Methodology, Discussion and Input

Fort Myers, FL (May 25, 2004) -The Lee County Department of Transportation (LC DOT) and Collier County are holding Small Group Meeting #4 in support of the Consensus Building Process. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 from 6-8 p.m. at the South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero.

This project has a unique public involvement program that allows interested parties a significant amount of participation throughout the PD&E Study process. The consensus building process was designed to bring persons with different areas of interest together to exchange information and ideas.

The topics of discussion will include:

• Update of Project Alternatives: This will include a recap of project alternatives identified at the December 9, 2003 public workshop and a summary of work in progress.

• Refinements to Project Alternatives: A presentation will be given on the developed roadway concepts (typical sections), and identified right-of-way for these concepts as well as design criteria for arterial and limited access roadway types. Included will be details of alignments modified to:

• reflect changes in right-of-way needs due to reduced corridor widths

• reflect design criteria affecting roadway location

• minimize environmental and community impacts

• minimize conflict with and maximize connectivity to existing and planned roadway networks

• No-Build Alternative Analysis: Updated traffic information will be presented with an analysis of projected volume-to-capacity ratios on existing roadways for the no-build alternative. There will be a review of purpose and need for the road based on the updated traffic information. The criteria used to evaluate the project alternatives under the no-build condition will be discussed and input taken from participants.

If you have any questions about the project, would like information prior to the workshop, or need special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, please contact Kris Cella, Cella & Associates, Inc. at (239) 337-1071 or e-mail kcella@cella.cc prior to the workshop.