Wekiva Parkway Passes Major Hurdle
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
By: Mark Simpson

Jan. 17, 2012 | WMFE - The proposed Wekiva Parkway passed a major hurdle as Metroplan Orlando approved a financing plan for the roadway. The regional planning board's decision though means some residents in the Parkway's path could be displaced. 90.7s Mark Simpson reports:

The 25 mile long Wekiva Parkway would connect parts of Seminole, Lake, and Orange County in a beltway between Interstate 4 at State Road 46 and highway 429. 

At a cost of 1.6 billion dollars though Metroplan board member John Quinones, joined Ted Edwards as the only opposing votes against the project. 

Quinones says tight times make financing the project difficult;

"You’re talking about 1.6 billion dollars.  That is too much of a price tag.  I think the toll roads are going to pay the consequences.  I just don’t think the cost benefit analysis warrants the building of this road right now."

About 150 residents of the 12 Oaks RV Resort in Sanford could have to be relocated because of Wekiva Parkway’s path and are threatening a lawsuit over the project.

Ground could break as early as later this fall.