Transportation Investment Generation Economic Recovery

The “Immokalee Area Improvements” TIGER Grant project has been successfully completed as of May 2025. Funded in part by a federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant, this transformative infrastructure project enhances mobility, safety, and connectivity throughout the Immokalee community.

Scope of Work:

The project encompassed the design and construction of:

20 miles of concrete sidewalks

Bike boulevard network

Shared-use path

Street lighting (406 new poles installed)

Bus shelters

A new transit center

Landscaping and drainage improvements

Intersection upgrades and traffic calming retreats

Project History and Milestones:

December 14, 2021: The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) accepted the selection committee's recommendation to negotiate with Quality Enterprises USA, Inc. for the project’s design-build contract under RFP #20-7811.

December 15, 2021: Staff successfully negotiated a design-build contract with Quality Enterprises for a total amount of $22,869,280, covering both professional services and construction.

February 8, 2022: The BCC formally awarded the contract for Project #33563 to Quality Enterprises USA, Inc.

April 12, 2022: Kisinger Campo & Associates was awarded Professional Services No. 21-7877 for Construction Engineering & Inspection (CEI).

Funding Sources:

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) TIGER Grant: $13,132,691

County Matching Funds: $9,736,589

Total Project Budget: $22,869,280

Construction Timeline:

Design began in 2022

Construction commenced in Area 1 in March 2023

Final completion was achieved in May 2025

Street Lighting and Utility Agreement:

The project included the installation of 406 new streetlights by Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC). A long-term utility agreement was established to cover the electrical costs of 362 of these poles through the Immokalee Beautification MSTU and/or the Unincorporated Area MSTU. The Collier County Lighting District continues to fund existing lighting.

A mapping and ownership analysis of light poles was completed by Johnson Engineering (finalized May 23, 2025) to support the utility funding structure.

On December 10, 2024, the BCC approved the MSTU’s payment of annual utility costs, and a $100,000 Purchase Order was issued to LCEC.

For FY2026, staff has proposed increasing the annual budget to $120,000 to accommodate projected utility costs.

Community Engagement:
On February 19, 2025, the design and construction teams presented a comprehensive project update to a joint meeting of the Immokalee Local Redevelopment Advisory Board and the Immokalee Beautification MSTU Advisory Committee.

On July 31, 2025, Collier County Transportation Management Services Department will host the Immokalee Area Improvements TIGER Grant Project Completion Event. The event will start at 10:30 a.m. and will be held at the Immokalee Collier Area Transit “CAT” Transfer Station located at 155 Immokalee Drive.