Wal-Mart expected to get state approval this week for supercenter in Alachua at interchange
By Rachael Anne Ryals
Herald Staff Writer

ALACHUA -- Wal-Mart is set to receive the final nod of approval needed from the state for a local supercenter, a representative from the Florida Department of Transportation said.

The state has finalized their approval for a permit for a Wal-Mart in the city of Alachua and will issue a notice of intent to the business sometime this week, Gina Busscher with the FDOT said.

After receiving the notice of intent, Wal-Mart must then gain several approvals from the city of Alachua.

A notice of intent is issued by the FDOT as a placeholder for the actual final permit that will be issued after Wal-Mart gains all necessary permits from the city of Alachua, Busscher said. The notice of intent is valid for one year.

The notice is subject to a cost estimate of the improvements that will be made on the state highway system such as turn lanes and a traffic signal, Busccher said.

The company must also provide a performance bond to ensure that the work is finished, she said.

The city of Alachua still has to approve the site plan and issue a building permit.

Wal-Mart has been trying for years to build in the city of Alachua, but the controversial development was opposed by many who had concerns about the environmental consequences of the development.

The proposed 184,000-square-foot store is to be located at the intersection of U.S. 441 and Interstate 75 on roughly 36 acres behind the McDonald's restaurant.