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General Services Department recommending the following pertaining to the El Dorado Trail Improvement Project, Forni Road to Missouri Flat Road:
(1) Adopt the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Mitigated Negative Declaration;
(2) Approve said project as described in the CEQA document; and
(3) Authorize the Chairman to sign the Mitigation Monitoring Program.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve.
FUNDING: State Transportation Enhancement Grant, El Dorado County Air Quality Control District DMV Grant, Bicycle Transportation Authority Grant, State Proposition 40.
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Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost: None. There is no direct fiscal impact with the adoption of the CEQA document. The adopted mitigation measures, as identified in the CEQA document, will be incorporated in the project plans and or specifications. Preliminary project costs, including environmental documentation, design and construction are estimated at $1.6 million. Funding for these activities are included within the current FY 07/08 Budget.
Background: The recommended actions are based on the following findings:
(1) The CEQA document on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors was prepared pursuant to Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq., and the CEQA guidelines.
(2) There is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment.
Reason for Recommendation:
The El Dorado County General Services Department, Division of Airport Parks and Grounds is proposing the development of a 2.75-mile eastern extension of the El Dorado Trail within the former Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way, from 300 Forni Road (at the entrance to the El Dorado County Jail) to Missouri Flat Road. The County has prepared this Initial Study to consider the potential for the project to result in one or more significant impacts to the environment pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970, as amended (Public Resources Code, Section 21000, et seq.). This document also serves to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The County is the CEQA lead agency for the project and this document has been prepared based on the requirements of the state CEQA Guidelines (14 California Administrative Code, Section 14000 et seq.). The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), with assistance from Caltrans, is the NEPA lead agency for the project.
Pursuant to Sections 15072 and 15105 of the CEQA Guidelines, the Notice of Intent for this Negative Declaration was advertised in the Mountain Democrat for 30 days beginning December 26, 2007 and sent to various agencies and interested parties. The review period ended January 25, 2008. No comments were received.
Approval of the Environmental Document by the Board of Supervisors is a requirement before the State will release the Transportation Enhancement funding for construction of the project. The project must also be out to bid by June 30, 2008 in order not to jeopardize this funding.
Action to be taken following Board approval:
The Board Chair will sign the Mitigation Monitoring Plan cover sheet.
The Department of General Services will file a Notice of Determination with the office of the County Recorder Clerk.
The Department of General Services will proceed with the development of the project through preparation of the plans, specifications and estimates, with construction anticipated to commence in the summer of 2008.
Contact: Jordan Postlewait
Concurrences: