TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to work with appropriate staff to develop a strategy to address the concerns of the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the 405 Freeway Widening Project.
DISCUSSION
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) recently released a Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) regarding the widening of the 405 Freeway, which includes potential negative impacts to Long Beach.
The Supplemental Draft EIR calls for Long Beach to pay for a portion of the project. The City should be clear in its position that we will not be responsible for paying for impacts the project will have on our City. We should also be prepared to take all steps necessary to protect our City. The following items should be addressed regarding this project
• Assure traffic impacts within City limits are properly identified and described in the Supplemental EIR.
• Assure measures to mitigate traffic impacts within City limits are sufficient to fully mitigate the impacts and are properly identified and described in the Supplemental EIR.
• Assure measures to mitigate traffic impacts located on Caltrans right - of -way and within City limits are 100% funded and performed by the project proponent.
• To, as a participating agency, continue support of the project and collaboration with the project proponents.
• To be prepared to take immediate legal action if necessary to protect the City's interests.
• To coordinate efforts with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Gateway Cities Council of Governments, and other agencies as appropriate.
The widening will take place between the SR-73 and the 605 Freeway at the border of Orange and Los Angeles Counties. Previously, Councilmember O'Donnell and staff expressed strong concerns regarding the project and took a strong stance against its potential impacts.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK...
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