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not need to purchase any extra right of way (a process that usually takes years); and the diverging diamond plan is being showcased as a new kind of interchange model for the state. "Everything has aligned like last night's red moon," Hines pointed out on Tuesday, refer- ring to the eclipse that produced the "blood moon." But the funding details have to be worked out. Hines expects there will be a little bit of "horse trading going on" when the House and Senate negotiate over the budget. The new project, which includes the drainage and interstate bridge improvements, could cost about $50 million, sources say. The Sarasota County Commission sent identical letters on April 9 to state Sens. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, and Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, requesting their backing for the necessary financial resources for the diverg- ing diamond. "We urge your support during the upcoming legislative budget conference process for the additional $115 million in the House bud- get, but not currently in the Senate, which would provide the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) supplemental fund- ing for transportation projects such as the University/I-75 Interchange," the letter says. A BIG PROJECT If funding is secured this year, construction is slated to start in the fall of 2015. The work Drivers navigate through a diverging diamond interchange in Springfield, MO. Photo by Brandonrush via Wikimedia Commons Sarasota News Leader April 18, 2014 Page 73