Coffman Associates prepared an Environmental Assessment for
the 2010 Expansion Plan for Southwest Florida International Airport. This
included acquisition of over 4,100 acres, a 9,100-foot widely-spaced parallel
runway and a new midfield terminal complex. Major concerns were potential
impacts to wetlands and endangered species as well as surface water management
and aircraft noise. While the Environmental Assessment came up with ways
to reduce wetlands impacts by 46 percent, there would still be over 500
acres impacted. A mitigation plan was developed that included the acquisition
of 7,411 acres to be set aside to preserve and enhance wetland systems
and wildlife habitat. The plan required significant coordination with state
and federal wetlands and wildlife regulatory agencies. Working within an
abbreviated time frame, the Environmental Assessment was approved as a
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) in time for the airport to accept
an initial $23 million state grant to acquire property.
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