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Commission accepts final EIR for State Route 197 project in Del Norte County amid local debate
Summary
Caltrans and Del Norte leaders urged the commission to accept the final environmental impact report for SR 197 upgrades to allow STAA truck access; local residents raised safety and environmental concerns during public comment, and staff noted litigation has been filed though no injunction was reported.
The commission voted to accept the final environmental impact report (FEIR) for the State Route 197 (US‑199/199) safe STAA access project in Del Norte County after an extended public comment period in which local residents and elected officials gave opposing views on safety and environmental impacts.
Caltrans staff presented the FEIR and recommended acceptance and that the project be approved for future consideration of funding. Staff noted the FEIR finds the project can be carried out without significant environmental effects after mitigation and that the agency had received stakeholder correspondence; Caltrans also told the commission it was aware litigation had been filed against the FEIR but that no stay or injunction had been issued at the time of the hearing.
Speakers from Del Norte County government, the local transportation commission and community groups spoke both for and against the project. Opponents told the commission the design exempts the project from certain safety margins and argued the canyon road is uniquely hazardous for additional large‑truck traffic and that the EIR underestimates cumulative safety and environmental risks. Supporters—including the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors, the local transportation commission and local businesses—told the commission the corridor needs STAA access for goods movement, local economic development, and to support regional connectivity to Interstate 5.
Several local elected officials and community representatives urged the commission to approve the FEIR so work can advance on a long‑delayed project they described as essential for public safety and economic stability. Caltrans and regional officials said the project balances safety, environmental protection and the need to bring the route up to current truck access standards.
On the motion to accept the FEIR and approve the project for future consideration of funding, the commission voted in favor; staff recorded the item as accepted and the matter will proceed to subsequent funding and permitting steps.
