The letter below was submitted on March 30, 2004 to the St. Petersburg Times with request for publication in the Editorial section of Citrus Times.

Please allow me to correct some items which were not fully vetted out in this article.

1. Ms. Clements, the author of FTE's letter, came on board to discuss Cheval's noise concerns only within the last year and a half. The promise made to Cheval in the mid-90's was for continuous walls throughout the entire length of the parkway, which were not implemented. This is not my opinion, but the understanding of the Cheval residents who were involved in this discussion in the 90's (as told to me). Clearly, there is a disagreement between what FTE believes is due to the residents, and what the residents felt they were promised.

The article failed to note that in the interest of full disclosure, we posted Ms. Clements' letter immediately on the on the http://truthaboutsuncoast2.com website, on request from Mr. Gibilaro. Were I given a chance to comment, this would have been clear. The web site leaves the decision on what these opinions on both sides really mean, to the public.

2. I am disappointed at the lack of opportunity to "defend myself" against the indirect label of "rumor-monger" by the article. "Hahn Vu, a Citrus residents who operates the site, could not be reached for comment." I can be reached at anytime through the Contact Us link on http://truthaboutsuncoast2.com. Mr. Gibilaro also has my email address. My phone number is on-file at the St. Pete's Times editorial office as I have previously written Letters to the Editor.

Contrary to the impression the article may give, our site does not aimed to mislead for spread "rumors". Its purpose is to provide a counter-balance to an FTE-only perspective on the issue, and to offer a fuller spectrum of information for informed discussions. We aim to voice valid concerns. The Truth cannot be found from one single source.

FTE does not live in the communities the road will impact. There is an emotional attachment to home and quality of life that it may not understand from its chartered mission for transportation. It is this viewpoint that may be missing from the FTE web site and which we feel should be considered in decision-making by the people of Citrus County.

3. If we are to discuss things that are "for the most part" not true, which may "fuel a lot of misinformation", then FTE's FAQ should also receive equal print:

· "The Turnpike receives no state gas tax or federal tax revenue. ... Toll roads are self-supporting, freeing highway tax money for other needed road projects."

On FTE's request, the Federal Highway Administration is currently reviewing an FTE application called 4(f), which is a requirement to apply for Federal funding. The amount (of tax payers dollars) which would be requested is a minimum of $160 million. If granted, this money -- which could otherwise be used to improve free roads such as I-75 -- would be used to build a tollroad in a rural area, even when there are heavy traffic congestions elsewhere on free roads desperate for funding.

"Project 2 would provide needed relief to the local roadway network"

Where is the data to validate this claim? FTE representative has indicated that roughly 5-7% of the traffic on US-19 in Citrus County is local. How many people will use a tollroad to buy groceries and run local errands? How much relief will the local roads enjoy? Should all claims be accepted without question and without supporting evidence?

I welcome constructive criticism and the chance for corrections of all my statements when they shown to be incorrect. Above all, there should certainly be fairness.

We will continue to publish on our website the complete text and illustrations of materials, or a link to that material if it is already on the Internet, submitted by both FTE and the public. The public may draw its own conclusions.