5/4/04-House lawmakers failed to take up a measure April 30 – the final day of the legislative session – that called for creating a board with the power to add toll lanes to Interstate 75 in the southwest part of the state.
The bill, which passed the Senate April 28 by a 39-0 vote, sought to establish the Southwest Florida Expressway Authority.
It lost out, however, in what was described as a last-minute rush to get numerous bills passed.
The sole mission of the eight-member group would have been to oversee toll road expansion along I-75 in Lee and Collier counties, which lie along the state’s Gulf Coast north of the Everglades.
The bill sought to give the authority the power to enter into contracts and issue bonds for construction and operation of toll lanes to supplement the six toll-free lanes that are planned along the corridor.
S2938 prohibited the authority from exerting its powers elsewhere unless Lee and Collier county commissioners approve. In addition, the county commissioners would have been required to sign off on the measure for it to become law.
Rep. Mike Davis, R-Naples, the bill’s House sponsor, vowed to reintroduce the legislation next year if he is re-elected in November.

4/27/04-S2938 would create a board with the power to add toll lanes to Interstate 75 in the southwest part of the state advanced April 20.
The Senate Government Oversight and Productivity Committee unanimously approved the bill to establish the Southwest Florida Expressway Authority April 20. It now moves to the full Senate.
The sole mission of the eight-member group would be to oversee toll road expansion along I-75 in Lee and Collier counties, which lie along the state’s Gulf Coast north of the Everglades.
The authority would have the power to enter into contracts and issue bonds for construction and operation of toll lanes to supplement the six toll-free lanes that are planned along the corridor.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Burt Saunders, R-Naples, would prohibit the authority from exerting its powers elsewhere unless Lee and Collier county commissioners approve. In addition, the county commissioners would have to sign off on the measure for it to become law, a provision local officials said was critical for their support.
The amount of money the tolls would generate is not known. All toll revenue would stay with the I-75 authority.
If the Legislature and governor approve either bill, the authority could be established after July 1.
For bill status, call (850) 488-4371. In Florida, call 1-800-342-1827.