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Study Recommends Increased Road Impact Fees
Jul 27, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 27, 2006) – A new road impact fee study for Lee County recommends a large increase in fees due mostly to significant increases in the cost of construction and right-of-way acquisition. The study by Duncan Associates, a Texas-based company, shows that fees for a single-family home could increase 200 percent from $2,971 to $9,125. Commercial, industrial and other uses would be subject to similar increases. Before approving the new fees, several county committees will review the proposal. The public will get its chance to comment at two county commission public hearings in October. The one-time impact fee, which is charged on all new construction, helps pay for roads to meet the region's rapid growth. The county's annual Concurrency Report released in June noted that among the 10 roads already failing to meet optimum service standards, two sections of SR 82 present imminent problems. Those are the sections from Colonial Boulevard to Commerce Lakes Drive and from Gunnery Road to Alabama Road. "The numbers are not surprising given the record permitting and development we have experienced in the last three years and the escalating costs of construction materials as well. Impact fees are our major funding source for new roads that are needed to serve that growth and prevent traffic congestion," said Mary Gibbs, director of Lee County's Department of Community Development. Prepared by: Joan D. LaGuardia, communications manager, Lee County Community Development, (239) 479-8705 or jlaguardia@leegov.com |