Agenda 11/10/2025 Item #16B 8 (Support the State of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) programming $852,000 for the Immokalee Interchange Landscape and Irrigation Relocation Project in their tentative work program)11/10/2025
Item # 16.B.8
ID# 2025-4524
Executive Summary
Recommendation to support the State of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) programming $852,000 for the
Immokalee Interchange Landscape and Irrigation Relocation Project in their tentative work program.
OBJECTIVE: To support FDOT's programming of funding in Fiscal Year 2026 in the amount of $852,000 to save and
re-purpose existing mature right-of-way landscaping and irrigation equipment from the Immokalee Interchange at I-75 to
the Marco Island East Trail Gateway via JPA; and to support collaboration with the Naples Botanical Garden through the
design and maintenance process.
CONSIDERATIONS: FDOT, through the I-75 at Immokalee Interchange Project (454099-1), will convert the
traditional interchange to a diverging diamond interchange, with construction anticipated to begin in FDOT Fiscal Year
2027. There are existing landscape and irrigation improvements within the Immokalee Interchange that are cost-effective
to relocate to the Marco Island East Trail Gateway.
The Collier County Streetscape Master Plan, Collier County Landscape Beautification Master Plan, and the Right of
Way Handbook recognize the I-75/Immokalee Gateway and the Marco Island East Trail Gateway as Activity Center
Zones within a half mile of these intersections, offering opportunities to enhance the community's character with bold
plantings. The grant would enable continued collaboration with the Naples Botanical Garden to develop projects using
low-maintenance plant materials, offering environmentally compatible options to match the roadway profiles. As the
budget allows, the uncurbed inverted median sections of State Road 951 would be suitable for planning rain gardens,
complementing the current drainage alignment with appropriate plant material.
The funding of $852,000 was made available following the recent cancellation by Charlotte County of an unrelated JPA
project that Charlotte County chose not to install. The utilization of a $852,000 reimbursable grant is in the public
interest because there are currently 122 Royal Palms in excellent health, growing at the Immokalee interchange, with
heights ranging from 25 to 35 feet. Royal Palms in this size range are currently frequently unavailable in the nursery
industry, primarily due to the quality of the existing palms. The total cost to "plant new" palms matching the size and
quality of these existing palms would range from $6,000.00 to $8,000.00 per palm (including transport, maintenance, and
costs until established). Based on recent bid(s) received from a similar project done by Collier County (per JPA 445296-
3), completed during fiscal year 2025, the County received bids to relocate similar-sized Royal Palms at $2,000 per
Royal Palm without loss. This proactive relocation of existing material resulted in cost savings of more than 60% per unit
for each relocated Royal Palm. Therefore, it is beneficial to consider a similar type of project in the interest of Collier
County, FDOT, and the public.
This item aligns with the Collier County Strategic Plan to develop public infrastructure and facilities that meet our
community's needs effectively, efficiently, and sustainably. The project supports the Collier County Strategic Plan by
preserving and enhancing the character of our community; developing and utilizing partnerships to ensure that
government facilities meet public expectations; and encouraging active community engagement and participation.
FISCAL IMPACT: If awarded, grant funds, in the amount of $852,000, would be appropriated in the Transportation
Grant Fund (1841). Funding for the design, estimated at $120,000, is available in the Transportation Capital Fund
(3081), Median Maintenance Project (60265). The source of funding is general funds.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: This recommendation is consistent with the Growth Management Plan,
Transportation Element, Objective 1 to maintain the major roadway system at an acceptable Level of Service by
implementing improvements as identified in the Annual Update and Inventory Report (AUIR) or by working directly
with other responsible jurisdictions to implement needed improvements to their facilities.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney, is approved as to form and
legality and requires majority vote for approval. Any future JPA will be brought to the Board for approval. -JAK
RECOMMENDATION(S): Recommendation to support the State of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
Page 4145 of 6525
11/10/2025
Item # 16.B.8
ID# 2025-4524
programming $852,000 for the Immokalee Interchange Landscape and Irrigation Relocation Project in their tentative
work program.
PREPARED BY: Pamela Lulich, PLA, CPM, Landscape Operations Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Page 4146 of 6525