State leaders are weighing in on a proposed toll road in Southern California that environmentalists are trying to kill.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has written a letter to the California Coastal Commission urging the approval of the last segment of Route 241 in Orange and San Diego counties. Despite his brother-in-law's opposition to the road, the governor says the project is a good example of public-private partnerships.
"Rebuilding our critical infrastructure is one of the single most important steps we can take to keep California strong and prosperous," Schwarzenegger wrote.
See the governor's letter here.
Not to be left out, state Treasurer Bill Lockyer fired his own letter off to the coastal commission expressing "strong opposition" to the toll road.
See the treasurer's letter here.
The much-debated project needs clearance from various state and federal regulatory agencies, including the California Coastal Commission, which is made up of members appointed by the governor and Legislature.
The commission has scheduled a hearing next month to decide whether the project conforms to the California Coastal Act, which seeks to protect public shoreline access and recreational opportunities. A staff report has found it doesn't.
Environmentalists were dealt a setback Tuesday when Assemblyman Jared Huffman's bill to ban toll roads through state parks died in the Parks and Recreation Committee. AB 1457 failed 6-6.
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