Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart Delivers $2M in Funding for Feasibility Analysis for Proposed Interchange at I-75 and Everglades Boulevard Project

NAPLES, FL - Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation, presented $2,000,000 in federal funding to Collier County for a feasibility analysis to open the Everglades Boulevard interchange location on a portion of I-75. 

Residents of eastern Collier County lack a southern interchange that provides direct access to the interstate. 

Congressman Díaz-Balart said, “I am proud to deliver $2 million in funding to Collier County for a feasibility analysis for a proposed interchange project on I-75 and Everglades Boulevard.  

Over the past several years, this area has experienced accessibility and congestion issues that have affected Collier County residents. The Everglades interchange would be essential in alleviating these challenges and providing an evacuation route to a community that has faced the danger of large wildfires. This analysis is the first step toward providing the necessary evidence to move this project through the review and approval process."

Joined by Collier County Commissioners, Commissioner Bill McDaniels shares, "This appropriation is an important step forward in identifying the transportation improvements needed to advance the opening of the I-75 Everglades Boulevard interchange. This funding will help evaluate critical infrastructure solutions that support mobility and safety for our community. We are grateful for the leadership and advocacy of Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart in securing this important federal investment and for his continued commitment to improving transportation infrastructure in Southwest Florida."

Background: This project received funding through the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2026, which was approved by Congress and signed into law by the President on January 23, 2026. 

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart represents Florida's 26th Congressional District and serves as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. He is the Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation and has a longstanding, successful track record of delivering crucial funding for infrastructure, transit, and roadway improvements.