FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

              Don Scott, Collier County Division of Transportation
              239-213-5831 FAX 239-213-5815
              donaldscott@colliergov.net

CR 951 STUDY TO KICK OFF WITH PUBLIC INFORMATION WORKSHOP

Concensus Building Session Planned for Public to Exchange Views and Ideas

Fort Myers, Fla. (February 12, 2003) - The Lee County Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Collier County Division of Transportation have scheduled an introductory public information workshop for the CR 951 Project Development & Environment Study in Lee and Collier Counties. The workshop will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2003, beginning at 5 p.m. at Three Oaks University Center, 20991 Three Oaks Parkway in Estero, Florida.

The workshop will begin with an open house at 5 p.m. Project related aerial photographs, graphics, and other information will be available for review. Representatives from Lee and Collier Counties will be present to discuss the project and answer questions. Beginning at 6 p.m the project team will give a short presentation regarding the study process and public involvement opportunities available during the course of the study. Following the presentation the public will have the opportunity to participate in the first consensus building session. The project team will facilitate small group discussions by those in attendance in an effort to share views and ideas relating to the project.

The workshop is being held to introduce the project to the public and to initiate the consensus building aspect of the public involvement program. The consensus building process will address the following:

• The nature & need for additional north-south capacity
• How that need can be met
• Measures taken to address the environment, community and business impacts
• Coordination with others who affect the issues and solutions relating to CR 951

The consensus building process will be open to all members of the public. Information gathered during this workshop will become part of the official project record. The public is encouraged to participate from the start of this important transportation project.

Anyone needing special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact Kris Cella at 239-337-1071 prior to the workshop.