FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Pete Winton, Lee County Administration
              (239) 335-2777

COUNTY COMMISSION MOVES FORWARD WITH FIXED SPAN TO REPLACE SANIBEL CAUSEWAY DRAWBRIDGE

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 16, 2003) - The Board of Lee County Commissioners today unanimously approved a $55.4 million financing package for the Sanibel Causeway bridges replacement that includes a 70-foot fixed span to replace the current drawbridge (Span A). The Board discussed the following reasons for its decision:

1. The fixed span is the safest alternative for both boaters and motorists.

2. Because of rising interest rates and financial market conditions, the county must proceed now with the fixed span (at $19.4 million the cheapest alternative) to make the financing package work with the current toll structure. Choosing a drawbridge option (low or mid-level) would require a toll increase. Between June and September of this year, interest rate increases have added about $270,000 a year in debt repayment (nearly $8 million over the 30-year life of the bonds).

3. A U.S. Coast Guard representative stated that the county could replace the drawbridge with another drawbridge, however because replacements are assumed by the Coast Guard to improved traffic flow (both boat and car), the new drawbridge likely would be required to open to boat traffic "on demand." Most drawbridges in the state are replaced with fixed spans unless the geographical layout of land and water just doesn't allow it.

4. Modeling "on demand" drawbridge options with TWO lanes off the island and a fixed span with one lane off, the fixed span option generates freer flow of traffic, according to county traffic engineers.

5. A survey of LeeWay (electronic toll) users indicates that Sanibel commuters, Captiva residents, and other toll bridge users with the Sanibel option prefer a fixed span, while 42 percent of Sanibel property owners favored a fixed span.

6. Time is of the essence. There is a continuing safety issue, based on repairs to the bridges in January and February and problems found at that time. The county hopes to begin replacements of the smaller bridges early this winter.

The Board apologized to the Sanibel City Council and residents for expediting the decision. However, safety and fiduciary responsibilities necessitated immediate action. Two public workshops still are planned to receive public input on bridge aesthetics and amenities.

The Board also indicated that the width of the bridges, with 12-foot travel lanes and eight-foot breakdown lanes, would allow bicycle traffic across the Causeway with appropriate signage and motorist education. Pedestrian traffic across will not be allowed.