This week, the Florida DOT issued an RFQ for a potential 50-75 year concession of Alligator Alley, the 78-mile, tolled stretch of I-75 connecting the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area with Naples/Fort Myers. According to The News-Press:
FDOT is requesting sealed Statements of Qualification from proposers desiring to receive the right to lease, maintain, operate and receive toll revenues from the project known as Alligator Alley through a public-private partnership concession agreement. The primary objective of this concession is to maximize the value of Alligator Alley to Florida for reinvestment in transportation while maintaining the project’s high safety standards, service levels and overall quality. . . . . FDOT is seeking a private partner that is experienced in operating and maintaining large toll roads under a concession approach and that is willing to share risks. The successful proposer must have proven ability to arrange and close financing on favorable terms as well as demonstrated skill in managing and operating toll roads on behalf of public sector owners. The concessionaire will be required to fund an upfront payment of rent and periodically share toll revenues with FDOT in accordance with the requirements of the public-private partnership statute, and be obligated to operate and maintain the project during the concession period.
More details are available at the project’s website, www.alligator-alley.com/.