DOT asks for Alligator Alley bids

Sen. Dan Webster's bold plan to lease Alligator Alley back to to the state for a chunk of money from the Lawton Chiles Endowment died on the last day of the session.

Now the Department of Transportation is moving ahead with asking for sealed "statements of qualifications" from bidders interested in leasing the 78-mile road for 50 to 75 years. The deadline for those interested is June 3. From the list the department will then ask for official request for proposals.