O.C. toll agency hails wildlife deal
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In today’s Times, staff writer David Reyes reports on an agreement to protect wildlife. The agreement was announced Friday between the toll road agency and a state agency on the proposed extension of an Orange County toll road, a controversial link that would cut through a popular state park and famed surf spot.
Proponents said the agreement helps breathe new life into the proposed toll road extension, which has divided politicians, environmentalists and transportation planners for years. Opponents dismissed it as insignificant. Although the Foothill South project was rejected by the state Coastal Commission after a clamorous public hearing in February, the toll road agency views the agreement as a substantial victory. The agency has appealed the commission’s decision. Lance MacLean, chairman of the board that oversees the county’s toll roads, called it a major step toward satisfying environmental requirements for the 16-mile proposed road that will cut through San Onofre State Beach.
The agreement covers the creation, enhancement or restoration of 57 acres near creeks as a mitigation measure because 23 acres along the proposed route would be permanently altered.
-- Alice Short