“Florida PIRG supports Senator Aronberg’s
efforts to slow down FDOT’s plans to lease Alligator Alley.
“America’s roadways should be operated
for the long-term public interest not private profit. The profits for these companies will increase with greater traffic,
higher tolls and less investment in the roadway - interests directly at odds
with those of the public.”
“From what we
know about a potential Alligator Alley privatization deal, it would be much like
taking out a sub-prime second mortgage on your house. It will be a heavily
leveraged and risky way to borrow against the future income without taking the
responsible route of fixing FDOT’s longer-term finances.”
“The public has
good reason to be concerned about the Alligator Alley lease proposal.
Discussions on other road privatization plans around the state have so far been
along lines far less potentially damaging to the public.’
“For example, the
Miami tunnel deal and I-595 plans have sought to establish arrangements to pay a
private road builder a set fee for keeping lanes available and in good working
order, rather than establishing a toll concession where a road operator has an
interest in maximizing tolls and traffic volume along with a right to sue the
state if policies impinge on their potential traffic
volume.”
# # #
