Florida Construction News staff writer
Southwest Florida-based agribusiness Alico Inc. has announced a strategic partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation and its construction contractor to design and build a wildlife underpass as part of the planned widening of State Road 82 to four lanes in eastern Collier County.
The underpass, part of a proposed wildlife corridor linked to Alico’s Corkscrew Grove Villages project, is designed to allow safe movement of wildlife, including Florida panthers, across the busy roadway. Alico has committed approximately $5 million toward the design and construction of the underpass.
“This partnership underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation by creating an important regional link to support wildlife movement between Collier, Lee, and Hendry counties,” said John Kiernan, president and CEO of Alico Inc. He added that the underpass will help advance the panther recovery plan at no expected additional cost to taxpayers.
The planned underpass will measure roughly 16 feet wide by 7 feet tall and include fencing to reduce wildlife mortality along SR 82. It will complement two bridge underpasses FDOT is building at Under Canal and Panther Creek, which also cross the Corkscrew Grove property.
Construction is expected to start before the end of 2025, pending final approvals, with completion projected in 2027. FDOT worked closely with Alico to integrate the underpass into the overall widening project with minimal disruption.
“By aligning this wildlife crossing underpass with the broader wildlife corridor, we’re taking an important step toward preserving natural habitats and supporting the panther recovery effort,” said Brent Setchell, FDOT District Drainage Design Engineer. “This collaboration shows how public and private partners can balance growth, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure improvements.”
Alico will support construction through the Corkscrew Grove Stewardship District, a special district responsible for infrastructure and conservation management within the planned community. The district will oversee funding, restoration of natural areas, and administration of the master-planned communities.
The Corkscrew Grove Villages plan, announced in March 2025, covers 4,600 acres at the northwest corner of Collier County near the Lee and Hendry county lines. The development will include two 1,500-acre villages, over 7,000 acres of permanent conservation land, enhanced infrastructure, and improved wetlands and water resources.
Alico has previously sold or protected more than 46,800 acres since 2003, creating critical connections for conservation and supporting the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
The company is currently seeking approval for East Village, the first of two planned villages, with final county approval expected in 2026. Construction on the first village could begin as early as 2028.
