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Vero Station Established 1903 Honorary Directors Dr. Eugene Lyon Charlotte Lockwood John J. Schumann, Jr. Hazel Crewe Indian River County Historical Society 9nc.- 2336 14th Avenue Vero Beach, Florida 32961 Chairman Ken Macht Indian River County Commission 1840 26th Street Vero Beach, Florida 32960 RE: Ninety -Day Extension - Jungle Trail ISTEA Dear Chairman Macht: P. O. Box 8535 407/778-3435 January 17, 1995 The Indian River County Historical Society reviews this last minute request for a "ninety -day extension" to the enhancement contract for Jungle Trail as a tactic -to interrupt a planning process that is already underway. As part of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) plan for Indian River County, Jungle Trail's first year of funding has already begun. The PD&E Study scheduled for the FY 94/95 has been initiated and, at present, the FDOT has received written presentations. and had oral interviews with qualified engineering and planning consultants. The timeframe outlined by FDOT has moved quickly and very smoothly. In fact, the consultant will be selected this week and by early spring, the field studies will begin. At that time, input from the county, the public, any interested parties which would include property owners will be solicited. The Commission should not interrupt this process. The Indian River County Commission and the Historical Society as co-sponsors of the Jungle Trail ISTEA Enhancement project have made a commitment to the people of this county to enhance and protect Jungle Trail as a scenic and historic corridor for the specific use of the public. Even though most of us consider this a local project, the Trail's preservation will have a much broader impact. The commitment made through the ISTEA enhancement funds will not only protect the historical integrity of the Trail, but the water quality of the Indian River estuary and the natural resources of the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. This year, Jungle Trail will be recognized 'as part of the Florida Sesquicentennial Celebration and will be distinguished as a significant Florida Greenway. While Windsor and the developers north of CR 510 still may think Jungle Trail is available for sell or for barter; the majority of the residents in this county think not! The controversies that surrounded the commissioners and these same --developments several years ago have not been forgotten. If there are privately owned wetlands to sell along Jungle Trail, then the county and other agencies have funds specifically allocated to buy them - there is no need to "mediate" anything. 28 January 17, 1995 M M