Dear Friends,

On February 6, 2008, the California Coastal Commission will hold a hearing that will either allow the 241 Toll Road extension project to move forward or halt it indefinitely. 

As many of you know, I am a vocal supporter of the toll road extension.  Without the completion of the 241 Toll Road, commuters will experience longer commute times and local communities will be negatively impacted by the use of their city streets as alternatives to the freeway.  I strongly believe that the Foothill-South Toll Road must be built in a manner that adequately mitigates impacts to the environment.  In doing so, I am convinced we can improve the lives of residents by reducing traffic without sacrificing the wonderful environment along the south Orange County foothills and coastlines.

Although I will be unable to attend due to votes in Washington, DC, my staff will be in attendance to read a letter from me in support of the project.

I encourage anyone who is able to attend the meeting and make sure your voice is heard.

HEARING DATE AND LOCATION:

Date:               Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Time:              Meeting begins at 9:00 a.m., Agenda Item W8b

Place:              Del Mar Fairgrounds

                        Wyland Hall

                        2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.

                        Del Mar, CA 92014

                        Enter through the O’Brien Gate

                        Be advised there is a $9 parking fee

Contact:          http://www.coastal.ca.gov or (619) 767-2370

The 241 Toll Road project has undergone 20 years of environmental review and has been subject to both the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).  Last December, Reps. Susan Davis (D-CA) and Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) hijacked a House Armed Services Committee mark up and turned it into a local zoning meeting.  They inserted language into the FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act that imposes state law requirements on the Navy’s rights to approve construction of roads on Camp Pendleton land. 

If you support the project make sure your voice is heard and demand that the Coastal Commission allow the project to move forward.

Mitigate

Sincerely,

KEN CALVERT

Member of Congress