This project had three major goals:  first, to improve traffic flow in the vicinity of a middle school, high school, school district distribution center, and school bus transportation facility; second to relieve flooding along two miles of county roads; and third, to relieve flooding within a flood portion of the City of Punta Gorda.  In order to achieve these goals, American/Avalon coordinated closely with Charlotte County, City of Punta Gorda, the Charlotte County School District and Southwest Florida Water Management District.  Carmalita Street and Education Street were reconstructed and widened from two lanes to three lanes.  American/Avalon evaluated and designed improvements for roadway widening, intersection improvements, pedestrian facilities, lighting, signalization, and creation of a regional drainage pond to relieve local flooding.  This project also included delineating wetlands, conducting wildlife surveys, and preparation of right-of-way maps and legal descriptions.  A two part drainage study was conducted to identify appropriate drainage improvements to alleviate flooding within the City of Punta Gorda and to accommodate flows from School District properties.  The improvements were tied to a new 20 acre regional pond. Extensive coordination was required with the Charlotte County School District due to the close proximity of schools (elementary, middle and high school), county-wide school bus transportation facility, and warehouses.  Certain construction phases were tied to the school schedule to minimize impacts to school operations.  Deliverables included roadway, lighting, and signal plans.  A permit was obtained from SWFWMD.