Latest on Alternative Transportation Study for Ding Darling--open house on 3/29

Note that the latest recommendations for the Ding Darling Alternative Transportation study focus on connections to the Sanibel Shared Use Path system and enhanced biking through the refuge.  Sanibel residents are encouraged to attend the public workshop on 3/29.  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City of Sanibel News Release

Sanibel, Florida - March 9, 2012 Contact - Sanibel City Manager's Office (239) 472-3700 The City of Sanibel Received the following News Release from Lee County Transit    Alternative Transportation Study for J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Open House Scheduled 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at the Sanibel Community House Sanibel, FL, March 9, 2012 - The project partner agencies, J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, City of Sanibel and LeeTran, will host an open house to share the details of the refined draft project recommendation for the Alternative Transportation Study funded by the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Public Parks Program. The program was established to address the challenge of increasing vehicle congestion in and around national parks and other federal lands that threatens the environment and diminishes the visitor experience. The recommendation is the result of a four-year process of public engagement, data collection and analysis, and partner agency direction and cooperation. At the open house, the public may view a short slide show, review the project recommendation, ask questions and provide comment. The public is invited to attend anytime from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2012, at the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida. The goals of the project are to reduce traffic in the Refuge, lower emissions and lessen impacts to wildlife and the environment. An additional goal of this project is to improve Refuge visitor mobility and accessibility and enhance Refuge visitor experience. Based on input received at the public meeting in April of 2011 and an online survey conducted on the project website, the project recommendation has been revised to no longer include circulator service outside the Refuge. The revised project recommendation elements are as follows: * Improve safety for wildlife to cross Sanibel-Captiva Road * New trail connecting Tarpon Bay Recreation Area to the Shared Use Path * Enhanced Refuge wayfinding plan * Bailey Tract wayfinding to the Shared Use Path * Expanded Refuge parking options at existing overflow parking * Bicycle rentals at the Refuge * Enhancements to Refuge tram and new Refuge shuttle service To review project documentation prior to the open house, visit the project website after Friday, March 23, 2012. www.DingDarlingTransportation.com. -30-