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Commissioners award $4.6M Bob James Preserve restoration and $2.1M road resurfacing contracts
Summary
Lee County awarded a $4.6 million contract to restore wetlands at Bob James Preserve to reduce nutrient loads and a roughly $2.1 million CDBG‑DR resurfacing contract for Pine Island/Burntstore Road, both motions approved unanimously.
The Lee County Board awarded two separate construction contracts during its Feb. 3 meeting.
Bob James Preserve restoration: The board awarded Thomas Marine Construction a $4,600,000 contract to build diversion control structures in the Figtors Creek and West Cypress Creek areas of the 5,600‑acre Bob James Preserve. County staff said the restoration will route water into newly created wetlands on former agricultural fields, store water and reduce pollutant loads. Projected benefits include an annual reduction of about 1,100 pounds of total nitrogen and 240 pounds of total phosphorus, along with flood‑attenuation and groundwater recharge. The project leverages a $2.5 million state appropriation administered through the South Florida Water Management District.
Road resurfacing (Burntstore/Pine Island Road): DOT staff presented a contract to Ajax Paving Industries of Florida for just under $2,100,000 to perform full‑depth reclamation and resurfacing of southbound lanes on Pine Island Road and related segments damaged by storm surge from Hurricane Ian. Staff said full‑depth reclamation should restore the base and extend the roadway service life by roughly 15 years.
Both awards were moved, seconded and approved with no recorded objections. Staff will administer construction contracts and monitor project performance and reporting requirements associated with grant funding (CDBG‑DR for the roadway project).
