There is still time to send an email today telling Metro and Caltrans what to include in the environmental impact study for any 710 gap closure project (still not defined).
This citizen’s letter —
Demands for inclusion in the 710 Gap Closure Project Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement:
Proof and detailed analysis of working business models with detailed explanations of how they will avoid incurring later costs to taxpayers (with past successful models in California as examples) for all public/private partnership models being considered for this project.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of the project for state taxpayers only. Include costs of not using these funds for multi-mode alternatives, electric cargo rail system construction, doing nothing.
Cost-Benefit Analysis, encompassing public monies spent, pollution, future workforce training, and regional competitiveness for an electric rail system for carrying all port cargo to inland distribution centers versus conventional freeway expansion to handle truck traffic carrying cargo on the 710.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of disaster impacts, with detailed costs of addressing structural damage, fire, toxic spills, accidents, injuries, and extended cleanup due to a major 9.0 earthquake. Compare these costs with a detailed analysis of costs of addressing such threats to an alternative multi-modal system with no freeway tunnel.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of steel on steel vs. rubber on asphalt. Quantify comparative fuel use, noise level impacts, and pollution in the region under an electrified rail system for moving port goods or “more of the same” (investment in more freeways) with rubber on asphalt as continued major transport mechanism for individuals and port goods transit, instead of steel on steel.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of significant public investment in freeway expansion instead of new rail and cargo movement technology that address regional competitiveness with major port upgrades in Panama, Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico, and other regions.
Clear and detailed cost-benefit analysis (which examines in just as much detail every alternative such as electrified rail and expanded public transit investments) for the stated “need and purpose” of the final project.
Detailed analysis and estimated costs for each area of potential cost overrun in a tunnel project, including excavation and construction of portals, ventilation towers, engineering, geological troubles, accidents, materials, and earth movement.