DATE: December 15, 2015
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Alan Weaver, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Houghton Canal Bridge Replacement Project on Chateau Fresno Avenue
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
TITLE
Adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for Initial Study Application No. 7005 for the Houghton Canal Bridge Replacement Project located on Chateau Fresno Avenue between State Route 180 and Belmont Avenue, approximately 4.25 miles west of the City of Fresno.
REPORT
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) the County prepared an Initial Study which determined that mitigation measures are required to reduce the project's impacts on the environment to a less than significant level. A Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) have been prepared for the project and are included as Exhibit A and B.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION:
The Board may vote not to adopt the MND if the Board determines a significant environmental impact may result from the project. The Board should then direct staff to modify the MMRP or prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no net County cost associated with the recommended action. The project is eligible for funding under the Federal Highway Bridge Program (HBP), which is administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The HBP will provide funding for 100% of project costs currently estimated at $1,346,000.
DISCUSSION:
The County prepares an Initial Study to determine whether a proposed project may have a significant impact on the environment. Based on the findings in the Initial Study, a Negative Declaration, MND, or EIR is prepared. A Negative Declaration is prepared if the Initial Study process determines the project as proposed will not have a significant impact on the environment. If mitigation measures are required to reduce impacts to l...
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