710 Coalition and Legislators Hail State's Action to Clear 710 Freeway Litigation.

News Editors/Political Writers

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 8, 2004

The 710 Freeway Coalition joined state legislators in hailing the California Transportation Commission's action today to withdraw the 710 Freeway Notice of Determination. The Commission stated that this would allow Caltrans to prepare a subsequent environmental document moving the 710 Freeway process ahead. The Commission's action thereby dooms the litigation that has delayed the project for years.

"The Commission's action will move the 710 Freeway project forward under federal and state law to help the public relieve traffic congestion," said Nat Read, chairman of the Coalition. The Coalition represents the grassroots effort of business, labor, cities and local organizations throughout Southern California working together for the completion of the last 4.5 miles in the 710 Freeway corridor.

"Withdrawing the Notice of Determination was the strategy the State of California chose to scuttle the anti-710 litigation and we respect any action by Caltrans that moves the process forward," said Read. "We believed that this step was not necessary because we expect the courts to dismiss the state litigation very soon anyway. On the other hand, we applaud any effort by the State to clear away the lawsuits," he said.

State Senator Gil Cedillo said, "The Commission sent an important message today that the freeway must be finished. The important thing is to move the project quickly now that the State litigation is likely to be dismissed. With the State lawsuit out of the way, Caltrans can focus on completing the new environmental study, including the possible use of a tunnel."

State Assemblymember Judy Chu said, "I welcome action by the Commission to complete the 710 Freeway as quickly as possible. The Commission has decided to cut away the lawsuits that have delayed the project and if this turns out to be a way to help complete the freeway, then I salute their decision."

"In December, the Federal Government issued a Letter Decision that is already helping to clear away the federal suits holding up the Freeway. Today's action by the State of California will effectively have the same impact on suits in the State court," Read said.

"The process towards completion of the 710 Freeway remains essentially the same after the Federal and State actions," Read said. "A supplemental environmental study and final Federal Record of Decision were already required by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Decision of 1998. Today's decision will speed up the process leading to a final decision and ultimate completion of the 710 Freeway."