Commissioner Hammond moved on Nov. 4 that Lee County add a request to the county legislative agenda for state grant funding to start a PD&E (project development and environment) study for an I‑75/Del Prado interchange. The motion passed unanimously.

Why this matters: Commissioners described the interchange PD&E as a long‑sought first step toward improved northbound evacuation routes and better connectivity for Cape Coral. A PD&E study would identify environmental constraints and potential alignments; it does not fund construction.

What commissioners said: Commissioner Hammond noted past PD&E work and that the study would determine the preferred alignment and environmental mitigation needs. "Somebody's got to take the first step to get this project going," he said, adding that similar corridor projects have taken years to move from study to construction.

Next steps: The item will be added to the county’s legislative agenda so representatives may seek state funding during the upcoming legislative session.