Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/285258
changes in that area. The Manatee County Commission unani- mously approved a similar resolution. The actions reflect for- mal support for a new "diverging diamond" interchange at Interstate 75 and University Parkway. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) officials want to prioritize the project and seek funding for it, making this modern trans- portation design the first of its kind in Florida. State officials had asked Sarasota and Manatee counties to back the proposal through reso- lutions before FDOT proceeded any further. S t a t e R e p . G r e g Steube, R-Sarasota, who has been work- ing to get the project in the fast lane, told The Sarasota News Leader earlier this month that the plan called for FDOT offi- cials to begin that state funding quest as soon as the resolutions had the board chairmen's signatures on them. Sarasota County Chairman Charles Hines was scheduled to travel to Tallahassee before the end of the week to deliver both to FDOT. While the state is leading the effort to secure the necessary funding, it will be up to the coun- ties to take the lead on roadway improvements St. Louis drivers navigate a diverging diamond interchange. Image courtesy Missouri Department of Transportation There will be some pain, but it's better to have this done this century than to wait. Charles Hines Chairman Sarasota County Commission Sarasota News Leader March 28, 2014 Page 29