Freeway Program: Innovative Environmental Mitigation

A minimum of 5% of the M2 Freeway Program budget is available, subject to a master agreement, to provide for comprehensive, rather than piecemeal, mitigation of the environmental impacts of freeway improvements. This freeway program is formally called the Mitigation and Resource Projection Program.

Using a proactive, innovative approach, a master agreement negotiated between OCTA, Caltrans and state and federal resource agencies will provide higher-value environmental benefits such as habitat protection, connectivity and resource preservation in exchange for streamlined project approvals for the 13 M2 freeway projects.

Water Quality: Environmental Cleanup Program

Prior to allocation of funds for freeway, street and transit projects, two percent of gross revenues from the Measure M2 Transportation Investment Plan is set aside to improve overall water quality in Orange County from transportation-generated pollution (sometimes called "urban runoff") and improving ocean water quality.

Measure M Environmental Cleanup funds will be used on a countywide, competitive basis to meet federal Clean Water Act standards for controlling transportation-generated pollution by funding nationally recognized Best Management Practices, such as catch basins with state-of-the-art biofiltration systems; or special roadside landscaping systems called bioswales that filter oil runoff from streets, roads and freeways.

The environmental cleanup program is designed to supplement, not supplant, existing transportation related water quality programs. This clean-up program must improve, and not replace, existing pollution reduction efforts by cities, the county, and special districts. Funds will be awarded to the highest priority programs that improve water quality, keep our beaches and streets clean, and reduce transportation-generated pollution along Orange County's scenic coastline.