DEIR release for east section of Hwy 76

I’ve been reviewing the newly-released Caltrans’ Draft Environmental Report (East Section). Thus far though, I’m appalled at how Caltrans has skewed its report to favor the Existing Alignment Alternative rather than provide a fair and equal comparison between it and the Southern Alignment Alternative.

I’ve discovered that the bulk of the cost difference between the two alternatives (the Southern being more) isn’t the cost of the “two new bridges,” but the cost to buy right-of-way property. Caltrans’ budgeted cost for this purchase is $94 million. With only 5.5 miles of roadway involved, this e...