Mr. Walter L. Revels
Department of Transportation
Tallahassee, Florida
Dear Mr. Revelst
Please give me some indication of how soon construction can
be commenced on the Interstate 4 complex of bridges over the Tampa
Bypass Canal C-135 in Hillsborough County.
It is imperative that construction of these bridges be
commenced at a very early date so as not to delay use of the Tampa
Bypass Canal as soon as portions of it have been completed.
The Tampa Bypass Canal, when connected to the Hillsborough
River by the Harney Cut-Off Canal, will provide an immediate
means of diverting flood waters from the residential areas of
Tampa and Temple Terrace.
The Canal will be available immediately as a supplemental
water supply. It flows through the Eureka Springs area and can
provide large quantities of water conveniently located to help
sold our serious water supply problem.
It is my understanding that plans for the 1-4 bridges have
been completed for several years during which time the estimated
cost has risen from less than $2.5 million to more than $3 million.
During each of the past two legislative sessions the Legislature
has stated its intent that the Department of Transportation shall
plan and construct such bridges upon request of the Department
of Natural Resources from primary road funds. On July 28, 1971
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the request of Southwest Florida Water Management for these bridges
was forwarded by the Department of Natural Resources to your prede-
cessor, Mr. Edward A. Mueller. No response has been received
although your department has informally advised interested
parties that no money would be forthcoming because these bridges
were not in your five year plan.
The Tampa Bypass Canal cannot serve its useful functions of
affording flood protection and providing an additional water supply
until the 1-4 bridge complex and other necessary bridges have
been completed.
Please advise me of your current tentative schedule in this
matter as soon as possible. I urge you to give this top priority
and stand ready to cooperate in every way possible.
Sincerely,
Ray C. Knopke
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