Environmental Programs | Southwest Florida International

TERMINAL EXPANSION PROJECT ADVISORY #1: Ground Transportation Location Changes

The Lee County Port Authority has started work on the terminal roadway improvements that are part of the Terminal Expansion Project Phase 2 at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). Travelers will notice construction fencing on the lower level roadways and there will be changes to the location of ground transportation options starting Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.

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RSW TERMINAL EXPANSION PROJECT ADVISORY #2: Crosswalk Closures Between Terminal Building and Parking Garage

Starting Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, the ONLY crosswalks for passengers, visitors and employees to transit from the terminal building to the Short-term Parking Garage, Car Rental Facility and all ground transportation options, including shuttles to the Long-term Parking Lot, On-demand taxis and LeeTran buses will be Crosswalk 5 on the upper level and Crosswalks 1 and 5 on the lower level.

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Mitigation Park is an innovative concept

It allowed the Lee County Port Authority (LCPA) to streamline permitting for the Midfield Terminal Complex, which opened in 2005, but also restored many acres of land and preserved other areas of pristine habitat forever.

The land for this project was acquired between 1994 and 1998, through the vision of the Lee County Board of Port Commissioners. It demonstrates their commitment to striking a balance between the need for airport expansion and environmental preservation.

Located four miles southeast of RSW, the Mitigation Park lands are among the most pristine and environmentally sensitive in the region.

The centerpiece of the mitigation program is the 7,000-acre Mitigation Park, which was established to compensate for the impact of long-term development of Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).

Additionally, eight plant and 11 wildlife species listed as protected by state and federal agencies have been identified onsite. The site includes the Imperial Marsh, the largest freshwater marsh in Lee County, and extends from the headwaters of the Imperial and Estero river watersheds through the Flint Pen Strand; ultimately, connecting to the Everglades.

Mitigation work began on the site in January 2003

It is notable that LCPA was recognized and won several industry environmental awards for this project.

The initial activities included removal of invasive exotic vegetation, installation of supplemental native plants, wetland creation and habitat restoration. The work helped to restore natural flow-ways and resulted in 550 acres of wetland creation. Once completed, the site went into the perpetual maintenance phase, which remains ongoing. Perpetual land management is conducted at Mitigation Park to help maintain permit compliance and uphold the ecological integrity of the site. This includes regularly scheduled invasive species removal projects, selective thinning of overgrown areas, and other activities that keep the habitat in its natural state.

Environment

Mitigation Park is an innovative concept

Located four miles southeast of RSW, the Mitigation Park lands are among the most pristine and environmentally sensitive in the region.

Mitigation work began on the site in January 2003

Mitigation Park Images

RSW Mitigation Park and Preserve Areas Location Map

RSW Mitigation Park

RSW Mitigation Park