The Southwest Florida Expressway Authority was established through State legislation approved in the 2005 session and through supporting resolutions adopted by the Lee and Collier County Commissions in October, 2005.  Its focus is limited to pursuing additional tolled lanes on Interstate 75 in Lee and Collier Counties, beyond the planned six lanes. 

Based on the legislation, the Board of Directors is to be made up of one County Commissioner from Lee and Collier Counties, one citizen appointee designated by the Lee County Commission, one citizen appointee designated by the Collier County Commission, a Lee County citizen appointed by the Governor, a Collier County citizen appointed by the Governor, and the Executive Director of the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council. 

The FDOT District One District Secretary will serve as a non-voting member of the Board.  Initial staff services for the Board as it becomes organized are being provided by the Lee and Collier County Departments of Transportation, but it will ultimately become independently operated.” The Southwest Florida Expressway Authority Board will generally meet on the Friday after the third Thursday of every month at 1:30 pm (E.T.) at the Bonita Springs City Hall.