County approves $25M in federal funds for $80M bridge project

FORT MYERS — The Lee County Commission has approved an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for $25 million in federal funds to assist with construction of the Big Carlos Pass Bridge.

Saying replacement of the bridge is a top priority, commissioners approved the project in a Feb. 15 vote. The current bridge is safe for motorists, county officials say in a statement. The plan for the next bridge, officials add, is to “ensure the bridge can be replaced well in time to continue to ensure safety.”