Multi-jurisdictional Task Force Commits Major Funding for the Purchase of the Rail Corridor
We are excited to share that the Bonita Springs City Council voted to pledge $17 million toward the purchase of the rail corridor designated for the future Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT). This significant commitment follows earlier pledges from the Village of Estero, which allocated $15 million in its 2024–2025 capital improvement plan, and the Collier County Commissioners, who pledged nearly $900,000 in January. Collier County will likely be considering additional funding in the coming weeks.
With these commitments, the total funds pledged for the corridor now stand at nearly $33 million, bringing us close to 50% of the $70.4 million needed to secure Phase 1 of the rail corridor. Reaching this milestone is critical, as it strengthens our eligibility for matching funds and grants from both public and private sources.
In addition to the financial commitments, all three jurisdictions—Bonita Springs, Estero, and Collier County—have recently approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that establishes a joint task force to coordinate funding efforts for the trail.
Together, these actions highlight the growing regional momentum and collective commitment to making the BERT trail a reality.
Phased Approach to Purchase the Rail Corridor Explained
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) negotiated an agreement to purchase the rail corridor from Seminole Gulf Railway in March of 2024. The deadline to complete the purchase is March 2026. TPL negotiated two options for the purchase of the corridor:
Option 1 – Full Purchase
- Rail corridor running from Wiggins Pass Road in Collier County to Alico Road in Lee County (14.9 miles).
- Cost $82 million by March 2026
Option 2 – Phased Purchase
- Phase 1 – Rail corridor running from Wiggins Pass Road in Collier County to Estero Parkway in Lee County (11.4 miles) for a cost of $70.4 million by March 2026.
- Phase 2 – Rail corridor running from Estero Parkway to Alico Road (3.5 miles). Cost and date of phase 2 to be determined at a future date.
Both options are currently being pursued but the existence of ‘phased purchase’ option provides a fall back in case ‘full purchase’ funds cannot be raised by the March 2026 deadline.
