Who are We?  What do 'we' Do?

At the suggestion of District Two Commissioner Frank Halas, Citizens Transportation Coalition formed early in 2007.  Their initial goal was to pressure Florida Department of Transportation to re-evaluate the need for a traffic light at 41 and Woods Edge Parkway.  CTC prevailed; the light was finally approved by FDOT.  It was installed the summer of 2009 ... finally. So began the Citizens Transportation Coalition's effort of informing and involving the public.

Next, CTC focused on adding a safe and dedicated lane at Wiggins Pass, turning south onto 41.  That lane has been added (photo  attached below). On behalf of residents of Carlton Lakes, CTC lobbied for lane markings to make the roadway safer near Carlton Lakes. We were becoming familiar with the 'workings' of our transportation department on the local and state level.

The intent was to focus on transportation needs within District 2.  But, the widening of I-75 from Golden Gate interchange in Collier County, north to Colonial interchange in Lee County was about to begin. The push by Southwest Florida Expressway Authority was to build six additional lanes and toll all six lanes on that stretch of I-75.

CTC objected to making citizens pay a toll on lanes five and six as those lanes were already financed with our previously paid tax dollars  Upon closer examination, CTC vehemently objected to the traffic and revenue projections and to the methodology used to promote the entire project.

For more than a year, CTC actively fought against the plan to add toll lanes on I-75 in Collier and Lee Counties.  The toll plans for those additional lanes have been put to rest.  Hopefully for good.

In the blink of an eye, the Governor announced his intentions to sell Alligator Alley along with three other roads in Florida.  Armed with over a year’s worth of research about toll projects and privatization nationwide, CTC was locked and loaded.  And so, our immediate efforts  are directed at stopping the Governor and FDOT from negatively impacting the future of transportation in South Florida for generations to come.  Please continue to explore our site to see the latest news about "The Alley" sale.

The plans to sell Alligator Alley are 'hibernating' due to the economic downturn.  Legislation STILL exists making the sale of public assets legal in the state of Florida.  In fact, SB360, passed in 2009, extended the ability to toll not only state roadways but, for the first time, to allow the tolling of county roads as well.  A slippery slope, you will agree.

Please contact us to join our "Friends of CTC" database. We will send you email updates about our progress as well as information about upcoming events. Continue to explore our website for additional transportation 'issues'.