The Save San Onofre Coalition has mobilized against a desperate attempt by the Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA) to construct the Foothill toll road in segments.



In 2008, in a dramatic hearing attended by thousands, the California Coastal Commission rejected this proposal to construct a 16-mile highway through habitat reserves and San Onofre State Beach. It would have affected several endangered species, imperiling the existence of one. After the Department of Commerce upheld the Commission’s decision on appeal, we had hoped that other transportation alternatives would be undertaken in order to relieve future congestion on Interstate 5, the ostensible purpose of the project.

But in 2012, the TCA unveiled a scheme to build the northern 4 miles of the road, escaping the oversight of the Coastal Commission. The TCA claims that the project has “independent utility” even though it has nothing to offer travelers on Interstate 5. Its terminus is currently a dirt road, and even if connected to other streets, the primary users of the toll road segment would be residents of a yet-to-be-built housing development. What is transparently true is that if built, the segment would create momentum to complete the road all the way to Interstate 5, again jeopardizing the State Beach.

The Save San Onofre Coalition, consisting of numerous conservation and recreation groups, authored a compelling letter to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) showing that the breaking up of a larger project into pieces violates the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). EHL’s staff attorney helped draft the letter. We have asked the FHWA to ensure that environmental review covers the project-as-a-whole.

EHL and the Coalition have repeatedly offered better transportations solutions, such as widening I-5 and improving arterials. But the TCA is a single purpose agency that cannot take a holistic approach. In addition, in December of 2012 it was announced that a state commission is evaluating the financial health of the TCA and its ability to take on more debt. The TCA’s other toll roads, the San Joaquin and Foothill Eastern have been plagued by low ridership and revenue shortfalls.