TITLE
Recommendation to receive the supporting documentation into the record, conclude the public hearing, and adopt resolution approving and certifying Environmental Impact Report (EIR 01-20)/ Environmental Assessment No. 273000, making certain California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Findings and Determinations relative thereto; and
Adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (Environmental Commitments), as set forth in said Resolution, in accordance with those measures as set forth in EIR 01-20; for the Shoemaker Bridge Replacement Project (State Clearinghouse No. 2016041007). (Districts 1,2)
DISCUSSION
The existing Shoemaker Bridge was built in 1954 and has structural and operational deficiencies. The Shoemaker Bridge Replacement Project (Project) replaces the existing bridge to improve its safety and operation. The Project will serve as an important connection between Downtown Long Beach and the Interstate-710 (I-710) freeway. In addition to the bridge, the Project includes realignment of local streets to create 3.95 acres of new functional park space, and improves bike and trail connectivity to the Los Angeles River. The Project is an early action project (EAP) of the I-710 Corridor Project and is compatible with the planned freeway improvements.
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), an Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment (EIR/EA) with a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was prepared (State Clearinghouse No. 2016041007) (Attachment A). The Shoemaker Bridge is currently under the jurisdiction of the City of Long Beach (City), and the City serves as the lead agency under CEQA. The new Shoemaker Bridge would require federal funding and would be transferred to Caltrans for future ownership and maintenance; therefore, Caltrans serves as a responsible agency under CEQA, as well as the lead agency under NEPA.
On April 1, 2016, the Notice of Pr...
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