FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Amy Davies, Lee County Department of Transportation
              (239) 479-8589

LEE RECEIVES GOOD NEWS FROM U.S. COAST GUARD ON CAUSEWAY

FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 28, 2003) - The U.S. Coast Guard told Lee County today that it can follow "emergency" procedures for getting the Sanibel Causeway's fixed bridges replaced - meaning construction could begin in as early as eight months.

During the meeting today with Lee County Transportation Department officials and county consultants, the Miami Office of the Coast Guard agreed to the "emergency" process as long as the Board of County Commissioners makes an emergency declaration.

That means the construction permit from the Coast Guard can be expedited. The real time savings comes with the county being able to apply for the permit almost immediately, before the final design of the "B" and "C" bridges is done. Application usually is required only until final design is nearly complete.

Lee County estimates it will take about two months to put the permit application together. The county already was scheduled to hire the design engineers for the spans in March.

Before serious deterioration of the spans was discovered in January, the county was planning to begin the construction of new spans in 2005, with a completion date sometime in 2007.

Now, construction could begin later this year with completion sometime in 2005.

The county also will concurrently meet with the South Florida Water Management District to expedite the permits it requires.

The expedited process is only for the B & C spans.

The new B & C spans will be similar to the existing spans and built next to them. They will be raised slightly to avoid the splash zone of nearby boat traffic.

The Causeway's weight limits and speed have been reduced because of the problems discovered since January. Lee County's position is that the Causeway bridges are safe, however the county is taking these precautions to ensure the safety of motorists. The county is limiting speed and weight to protect the safety of motorists and is installing braces as a precautionary measure to ensure safety.