US Fish and Wildlife: 241 Completion Won't Jeopardize Sensitive Species
Posted by: Jubal | 05/06/2008 8:32 AM
I spotted this teeny-tiny item buried in "California Briefs" on page B4 of the L.A. Times:
If the Fish & Wildlife Service had come to the opposite conclusion, you can bet that would have been on the front page of the California section.
Will Coastal Commissioner Sara Wan now accuse the Fish and Wildlife Service of being biased? Will Commissioner Steve "I'm A Genius" Blank be able to understand it?
The proposed toll road through San Onofre State Beach would not jeopardize sensitive wildlife species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Monday.
Nine species were reviewed, including endangered and threatened species, said Jane Hendron, a wildlife service spokeswoman.
In some cases, the project footprint was outside the species area, she said. But in others, such as the endangered Pacific pocket mouse, the toll road agency is taking measures to manage the area for the benefit of the species, Hendron said.
The opinion, which clears a hurdle for the Transportation Corridor Agencies, was "exceptional news," said Lance MacLean, chairman of the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency.
At an estimated cost of $875 million, the proposed Foothill South tollway would be the final link in Orange County's network of toll roads. It would run 16 miles from Oso Parkway in Rancho Santa Margarita to Interstate 5 at Basilone Road, south of San Clemente.
If the Fish & Wildlife Service had come to the opposite conclusion, you can bet that would have been on the front page of the California section.
Will Coastal Commissioner Sara Wan now accuse the Fish and Wildlife Service of being biased? Will Commissioner Steve "I'm A Genius" Blank be able to understand it?
CATEGORY:
241 Tollroad
Mr. Ayer registered as a Republican to be electable in an interim election with no incumbents. He did...
It's the LA Times, what would you expect? David Reyes is such a tool for the opponents to this project, he doesn't even try to hide it.
US Fish & Wildlife is the expert agency when it comes to endangered species. The Coastal Commission is made up of political wannabes who try to twist environmental regulations in an effort to quash property rights and needed infrastructure projects. The Secretary of Commerce will clearly be able to see that now.
Jubal/Matt,
You've followed this issue quite well. As someone who has followed it, what do you think the chance for the Costal Commission decision to be overturned on federal appeal?
And do you know the process that would follow if it was overturned?
Could the anti 241 forces send it back for re-consideration under a new federal administration in January?
just...asking?
poorly planned stop it at ortega hwy
charge me to drive thru my state park stop the toll road build the free road truly relieve traffic