The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge), in cooperation with its project partners, Lee County Transit (LeeTran) and the City of Sanibel, have prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program Alternative Transportation Study. The study area includes Refuge property adjacent to Sanibel-Captiva Road as well as Tarpon Bay Road. The goals of the study are to reduce traffic in the Refuge, lower vehicle emissions, improve visitor mobility and accessibility, and lessen impacts to wildlife and the environment. The final project recommendation includes enhanced Refuge wayfinding, expanded parking options, bicycle rentals, a new trail connecting Tarpon Bay Recreation Area to the city’s Shared Use Path, wildlife crossings on Sanibel-Captiva Road, enhanced Refuge tram service, and new Refuge shuttle service.
The Draft EA has been prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. The study evaluated the project recommendation for potential effects (both positive and negative) on the natural environment, transportation environment, and surrounding community. The Draft EA will be available for public viewing March 4 through April 18, 2013 on the project website at www.DingDarlingTransportation.com and during operating hours at the following locations:
Sanibel City Hall
800 Dunlop Road
Sanibel, FL
Sanibel Public Library
770 Dunlop Road
Sanibel, FL
LeeTran
6035 Landing View Drive
Fort Myers, FL
A public hearing to obtain comment on the Draft EA will be held as part of the regularly scheduled Sanibel City Council Meeting:
City of Sanibel Council Chambers (MacKenzie Hall)
800 Dunlop Road
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
11:30 a.m.
Comments may be made at the public hearing, through the project website, and mailed to J.N. “Ding” Darling Transportation Study, c/o Cella Molnar & Associates, Inc., 1631 Hendry Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901.
The public hearing will be held in accordance with Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations Part 771 and Section 339.155, Florida Statues. It is being developed in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Related Statutes. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Kris Cella at 239-337-1071 at least seven days prior to the hearing.
For more project information, please visit www.DingDarlingTransportation.com
Contact: Cella Molnar & Associates, Inc. Phone: (239) 337-1071, (877) 496-1076 (toll-free) or email kcella@cella.cc.