Hwy 76 Southern Alternative opponents missing points

A group of opponents of the Southern Alignment Alternative for Hwy 76 eastern extension have claimed that this route would not only cost more but would adversely affect the rural character of the river valley. However, it seems they may have failed to consider some very important points.

Firstly, $83 million of the $120 million additional cost for the Southern Alignment is due to Caltrans’ plan to purchase the entire 2,000-acreVessels Ranch, although only 60 acres are required for the highway.

Caltrans policy is to assign zero value to the unused acres, although Caltrans acknowledges there cou...