To the editor:

The proposed lease sale of our beloved Alligator Alley, the Bob Graham Sky Bridge, the I-4 Corridor or any of Florida’s Infrastructure to foreign companies (or our own corporations) is nothing short of treason.

Why do people’s minds become so demeaned when they get around those big- time political crooks? I am aghast at how easy it is for some of these alleged moral purists to fall in line with the money mongers.

Think about it. Alligator Alley is a cash cow for us, the taxpayers. We paid for the easements, the design, the engineering, the labor the toll booths, the maintenance, the construction, and we are all a part of it and we are proud.

The net income of Alligator Alley alone to the state coffers is approximately $11 million per year. Now that’s our investment return. The cost to drive Alligator Alley today is approximately 3 cents per mile. Such a deal.

Under present code, if this outrageous lease/state to a foreign company is finalized, it could increase the cost to 15 cents per mile with certain guarantees if new rail or airport transportation in the state cut into their profits.

Unbelievable!

Most of the commodities and supplies we receive in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties come from Port Everglades or the Port of Miami. Almost all of these supplies are driven across Alligator Alley. The increased cost for transportation alone should this obscene lease/sale go through would be highly detrimental to our local businesses.

Gov. Charlie Christ’s proposal to lease (sell) Alligator Alley and other Florida infrastructures for up front money to pay for additional roads is the worst give-a-way since President Jimmy Carter’s selling of the Panama Canal.

Where are the tar and feathers when you need them?

Jon Larsen Shudlick

Cape Coral