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 and during operating hours at
the following locations:
- LeeTran, 6035 Landing View Drive, Fort Myers, FL
- Sanibel Public Library, 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, FL
- Sanibel City Hall, 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, 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.
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Alternative Transportation In Parks & Public Lands
funded by the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Program
For more project information, please visit
www.DingDarlingTransportation
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