 Early Action Plan
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Introduction | Overview | Get Involved | Early Action Plan | FAQ | Timeline | Oversight Committee
On August 13, 2007, the OCTA Board of Directors approved a five-year Renewed Measure M Early Action Plan, covering the years 2007 to 2012, to advance the implementation of several key Renewed Measure M projects. The action plan calls for the Environmental Freeway Mitigation Program to be launched within that time period. According to the M2 ordinance, a 12-member Environmental Oversight Committee must be in place before the programs can be developed and funds can be allocated.
Following is the Environmental Freeway Mitigation Program outline from the Early Action Plan.
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Freeway Master Mitigation Program |
Description:
Subject to a Master Agreement negotiated between OCTA and federal and state resource agencies, provide for high-value environmental benefits such as habitat protection and resource preservation, in exchange for streamlined project approvals for the freeway program as a whole.
Status:
Renewed Measure M Ordinance #3 calls for development of the Master Agreement "as soon as practicable" following approval by the voters. Negotiations can commence upon Board of Directors authorization of an Early Action Plan.
Benefits:
The project has the potential to minimize or reduce regulatory delays in the implementation of freeway projects and to result in greater environmental benefits than could be achieved through traditional project-by-project mitigation.
Issues:
The Board must appoint a Mitigation and Resource Protection Program Oversight Committee. An application and selection process will be needed. Freeway impacts and mitigation opportunities must be inventoried and assessed, in some cases prior to completion of environmental documents. Resource agencies will need to make commitments in advance of permit issuance.
Cost:A minimum of 5 percent of total Freeway expenditures ($243.5 million).
External Funding:
Potential for matching funds from state bonds.
Risks:
Over time, mitigation opportunities can be lost and costs can increase. Competing conservation/mitigation priorities may make reaching agreement more difficult. Resource agencies may have difficulty making necessary commitments.
Related Projects:
Can benefit all freeway projects. Some mitigation opportunities may mesh with those under Project X - Environmental Cleanup funds for road runoff.
Involved Agencies:
Caltrans, Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife, Fish and Game, FHWA
References:
Renewed Measure M Transportation Investment Plan
Orange County Local Transportation
Authority Ordinance No. 3
More Information:
Future Contracting Opportunities
Oversight Committee Information