THE REGION : Freeway Extension Bill Awaits OK by Governor
A bill that would allow Caltrans to build the long-delayed extension of the Long Beach (710) Freeway through South Pasadena without the city’s agreement has reached the governor’s desk.
The Assembly last week gave final legislative approval to the bill by Assemblywoman Diane Martinez (D-Monterey Park). The bill removes time limits in 1982 legislation that allows for construction of a freeway through a city without its permission where a deadlock has existed for more than 10 years.
Last September, a Sacramento judge ruled that the 1982 legislation, authored by Martinez’s father, U.S. Rep. Matthew G. Martinez (D-Monterey Park) when he was a state legislator, had lapsed because Caltrans failed to complete an environmental report in the time specified by the law.
The California Transportation Commission will consider giving final approval to the $805-million project next week. The Federal Highway Administration, which will provide 85% of the funding, would then decide on whether to proceed with the project.
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