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Environmental group asks Port Orange to press pause on Pioneer Trail I-95 interchange over wetland concerns
Summary
A Sweetwater Coalition representative urged the council to seek redesign alternatives for FDOT's Pioneer Trail interchange, citing wetlands impacts, traffic-induction concerns and high taxpayer cost; council acknowledged the issue but took no formal action.
Derek Lamontagne, speaking for the Sweetwater Coalition of Volusia County, asked the council to 'hit pause' on wetland impacts at the Pioneer Trail I-95 interchange site and to contact agencies to consider redesign alternatives.
Lamontagne cited environmental risks including damage to dozens of wetlands, potential increases in induced traffic demand, and pollution to a tributary feeding Spruce Creek and the Spruce Creek Preserve. He also stated the project has faced recent court challenges and that, in his view, FDOT had overstated benefits to secure funding.
Council members listened but did not take action; Lamontagne advised residents could find more information and campaign materials at the group's website.
Why it matters: The project is a major state-led transportation initiative with potential local environmental and flood-control implications; the coalition urged the council to press for alternatives or stricter mitigation to reduce ecological harm.
