Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-17 STAFF REPORTS 1C o�QpL/d Sp? A. .y V N * k * c�RRORkiEO iR ; C �r City Council Staff Report MAY 17, 2005 PUBLIC HEARING Subject: ADOPTION OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND APPROVAL OF CONCEPTUAL PLANS FOR THE GENE AUTRY TRAIL RAILROAD BRIDGE WIDENING, CITY PROJECT NO. 01-04 From: David H. Ready, City Manager Initiated by: Public Works and Engineering Department SUMMARY The City of Palm Springs proposes the widening of Gene Autry Trail from two (2) to six (6) lanes between Salvia Road/Micro Place across the existing Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) bridge, transitioning to four (4) lanes immediately south of the UPRR bridge. Following testimony received at the Public Hearing, the City Council can consider adoption of the draft Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and approval of conceptual plans for the project. Following recordation of a Notice of Determination, the federal environmental document prepared in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a Categorical Exclusion, will be issued, and this project can proceed into the subsequent phases of utility coordination, right-of-way, and final design. RECOMMENDATION: 1) Adopt Resolution No. "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AND ORDERING THE FILING OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND APPROVING CASE NO. 5.0929-B, AN APPLICATION BY THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO GENE AUTRY TRAIL BETWEEN SALVIA ROAD/MICRO PLACE AND THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD, INCLUDING WIDENING THE EXISTING TWO-LANE BRIDGE TO A SIX-LANE BRIDGE, AND WIDENING GENE AUTRY TRAIL TO SIX-LANES FROM SALVIA ROAD/MICRO PLACE TO THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD, SECTIONS 30 AND 31, TOWNSHIP 3 SOUTH, RANGE 5 EAST." Item No. 1 . n . City Council Staff Report May 17, 2006 - Page 2 Gene Autry Trail UPRR Bridge Widening, CP 01-04 STAFF ANALYSIS: 'The Planning Commission, at their meeting of April 26, 2006, voted 6-0 with one absence, to recommend that the City Council order the filing of a mitigated negative declaration and approve the application to widen Gene Autry Trail from two to six lanes (between Salvia Road/Micro Place and the Union Pacific Railroad. 'This project complements the City's Gene Autry Trail Widening, Case 5.0929, for Widening of Gene Autry Trail from two (2) to six (6) lanes from Vista Chino to Via Escuela, and from two (2) to four (4) lanes through the Whitewater River ending at the :south bridge approach embankment to the UPRR bridge. That project, Case 5.0929, was approved by the City Council at its February 16, 2005, meeting. 'The widening of Gene Autry Trail is an integral part of an overall transportation improvement program for Gene Autry Trail being implemented by the Coachella Valley ,Association of Governments (CVAG), Caltrans, and Riverside County. The project will be funded in part by CVAG through Regional Measure A funds (Riverside County ''Y2% sales tax) and a federal grant the Public Works & Engineering Department applied for and received, in competition with other County transportation projects, made available through the Surface Transportation Program (STP). 'The proposed project is included in the Southern California Association of Governments 2004 Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) which was found to be conforming by FHWA and the FTA on June 7, 2004. The project is also included in the Final updated 2004 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), which was found to be conforming by FHWA/FTA on October 4, 2004. Specifically, the project includes widening the existing Gene Autry Trail bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad (Bridge No. 56C-082) from a two (2) lane to a six (6) lane bridge, With widening to occur along the east side of the bridge. The project also includes construction of new embankments for the bridge approaches. The typical cross-section will include six (6), twelve feet wide (12') travel lanes, five feet wide (6) shoulders, and a 5 feet wide (6) painted median. Additionally, widening of Gene Autry Trail from two (2) to six (6) lanes between the Union Pacific Railroad bridge and Salvia Road/Micro Place s proposed. The project will transition from six (6) to two (4) lanes at the bottom of the south bridge embankment of the Union Pacific Railroad bridge. 'This project is the second of three projects to widen Gene Autry Trail between Vista Chino and Interstate 10. The first, the Gene Autry Trail widening, was previously recommended for approval by the Planning Commission, and approved by the City Council. Currently in final design, that project will widen Gene Autry Trail from two (2) to six (6) lanes between Vista Chino and Via Escuela, install a new traffic signal at Via Escuela, and widen Gene Autry Trail from two (2) to four (4) lanes from Via Escuela through the Whitewater River, transitioning to two (2) lanes at the bottom of the south �, City Council Staff Report May 17, 2006 - Page 2 Gene Autry Trail UPRR Bridge Widening, CP 01-04 bridge embankment of the Union Pacific Railroad bridge. The proposed Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening project will carry forward the roadway widening over the Union Pacific Railroad bridge, widening to a full width of six (6) lanes from the Union Pacific Railroad bridge and ending at the intersection of Salvia Road/Micro Place. The third and final project is the widening of the Gene Autry Trail/Interstate 10 Interchange, a project being processed by Riverside County as the CEQA lead agency. The widening of the Gene Autry Trail/Interstate 10 Interchange includes extending the full six (6) lane width of Gene Autry Trail across Interstate 10, and various new on-ramp and off-ramp configurations that will greatly improve the overall capacity of the Interchange. That project has completed its formal public review of an Initial Study/Environmental Assessment, and is in the process of receiving final NEPA clearance from the Federal Highway Administration. Table 1: Surrounding land uses, General Plan, Zoning Land Use General Plan Zoning North Existing roadway Major Thoroughfare 110' N/A East Vacant IND (Business/Industrial) WM1P (Planned Research & Development Park) D Desert WO5 Open Land South Existing roadway Major Thoroughfare 110' N/A West Vacant IND (Business/Industrial) WM1P (Planned Research & Development Park) D (Desert) WO5 (Open Land) The proposed widening of the Gene Autry Trail Union Pacific Railroad bridge and associated roadway widening to Salvia Road/Micro Place implements the General Plan as Gene Autry Trail is designated a 110 feet wide major thoroughfare. By proposing a six-lane bridge, the project is consistent with the Circulation Element of the General Plan and with the following General Plan policies: Policy 7.1.3 (b) Major Thoroughfares: High capacity streets, of four or more lanes, which form the basic elements of the City's circulation system, connecting Palm Springs to regional highways and tying together the sections of the City. They have a limited number of cross streets and provide stacking and turning lanes and may have a landscaped median, especially where it helps to maintain an appropriate level of service. Policy 7.1.14: Encourage the use of Interstate 10 for inter-city traffic trips by improving access to this route and by providing appropriate signage. Approval of this project would accomplish the following purposes: City Council Staff Report May 17, 2006- Page 2 Gene Autry Trail UPRR Bridge Widening, CP 01-04 • Accommodate existing and future traffic; • Alleviate queues; • Accommodate truck traffic; and • Increase public safety. 'The proposed project would improve access to Interstate 10 from Gene Autry Trail by widening the existing two-lane bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad to a six-lane (bridge, including associated widening of Gene Autry Trail to six-lanes between Salvia Road/Micro Place and the Union Pacific Railroad bridge. Therefore, the project is consistent with the General Plan policies and objectives. Policy 7.2.5: Make selective street improvements at problem intersections and bottleneck locations to improve specific traffic operations and safety, with all such improvements to be considered selectively on the basis of specific studies of the affected intersection and streets, and the impacts on the surrounding area and on pedestrian activity. 'The project is being undertaken because the segment of Gene Autry Trail between ;Salvia Road/Micro Place and the existing Gene Autry Trail Union Pacific Railroad bridge cannot safely accommodate existing or forecasted traffic volumes. Furthermore, due to the previously approved widening of Gene Autry Trail south of the Union Pacific Railroad bridge, and the planned Gene Autry Trail/Interstate 10 Interchange project, the :subject segment of Gene Autry Trail would cause a bottleneck to traffic, severely affecting traffic flow into and out of the City from Interstate 10. Therefore, the proposed project will specifically address Policy 7.2.5 and be consistent with the General Plan. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Pursuant to Section 15063 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impact was prepared and circulated for a 30-day public review period ending on April 24, 2006. The following agencies submitted comments on the Mitigated Negative Declaration as of the date of this report: • Coachella Valley Water District • Southern California Association of Governments • Riverside County Flood Control District. • Public Utilities Commission The responses to comments are attached to this report. Mitigation measures related to Air Quality, Biological Resources, and Hazards and Hazardous Materials have been included to reduce potential impacts to a less than significant level. Impacts related to Air Quality and Hazards/Hazardous Materials are ��1;�IR41� City Council Staff Report May 17, 2006- Page 2 Gene Autry Trail UPRR Bridge Widening, CP 01-04 typical of impacts associated with projects such as the one proposed and therefore, standard mitigation measures will apply. As this project is funded in part through federal STP funds, in addition to following CEQA guidelines, the environmental analysis must also concurrently follow guidelines established by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The analysis concluded With the Environmental Assessment prepared for this project in accordance with NEPA guidelines has lead to the preparation of a Categorical Exclusion (CE), which has been approved by the Federal Highway Administration and will be issued pending receipt of the City's CEQA Notice of Determination for this project. With respect to potential impacts to biological resources as a result of the proposed project, it is important to note that no biological resources were encountered within the project site during field monitoring and biological surveys. However, as it has already been agreed that any potential impacts to biological resources resulting from the proposed project will be offset by implementing the agreements established in the Conservation Plan Addressing the Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects of Interstate 10 Coachella Valley Interchange Projects ("Conservation Plan"), staff has prepared an Initial Study and associated Mitigated Negative Declaration implementing the mitigation measures required by the Conservation Plan. The Conservation Plan is independent of ,and has no reliance on approval of the draft Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) currently being considered for adoption by the various Coachella Valley cities. The purpose and need of the Conservation Plan was to analyze direct and indirect impacts specifically resulting from the construction of the Interstate 10 Interchange projects and their associated arterials, including Gene Autry 'Trail. The mitigation ratios have been established by the Conservation Plan as 2:1 for direct impacts and 1:1 for indirect impacts. ,Approval of the Conservation Plan by state and federal resource agencies is evidenced by the issuance of a Biological Opinion (BO) on September 11, 2004, by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The BO, titled Programmatic Biological Opinion for Five Interchanges and Associated Arterial Improvement Projects along Interstate 10 and the Tiered Biological Opinion for the Palm Drive/Gene Autry Trail — Interstate 10 Interchange Improvement Project in Eastern Riverside County, California (1-6-04-F-3282.4; EA: 08-455800) included the biological mitigation measures outlined in the Conservation Plan. Subsequently, on November 7, 2005, the USFWS issued a "Tiered BO" specific to the Gene Autry Trail arterial, titled Appended Programmatic Biological Opinion for Five Interchange Improvements on Interstate 10 and Associated Arterial Improvements for the Tiered Date Palm Drive Interchange Project, the Date Palm Drive Arterial Project, and the Palm Drive/Gene Autry Trail Arterial Streets Project in Eastern Riverside County, California, (1-6-05-P-3282, EA 08-455900, 455800). The Tiered BO restated biological mitigation measures included in the Conservation Plan. 'These BO's issued by USFWS provide CVAG, the City and Riverside County with the City Council Staff Report May 17, 2006 - Page 2 Gene Autry Trail UPRR Bridge Widening, CP 01-04 necessary federal legal authority to proceed with the Interstate 10 Interchange projects, and specifically with projects associated with the Palm Drive/Gene Autry Trail arterial. 'The mitigation measures from the Conservation Plan include, among other things, the acquisition of land and the establishment of an endowment fund for the management of a conservation bank in perpetuity. Collectively, (excluding acreage associated with the Indian Avenue/Interstate 10 Interchange), the Conservation Plan requires the acquisition of 1,545 acres of habitat for permanent conservation to mitigate impacts to potentially impacted biological resources, of which 1,435.5 acres have already been acquired by CVAG, (the remaining acreage may have already been acquired by CVAG as of the date of this report). Therefore, the required biological mitigation for direct and iindirect impacts associated with the widening of Gene Autry Trail, from the Union Pacific Railroad bridge to Salvia Road/Micro Place, as indicated in the Conservation Plan, has already been satisfied by CVAG. NOTIFICATION A public hearing notice was mailed to all property owners within 400 feet of the project and published in The Desert Sun. CONCLUSION 'This project is consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan and implements the federally approved 2004 Regional Transportation Plan. Given the above analysis and findings, staff is recommending approval of this project and adoption of the Mitigated Negative Declaration. FISCAL IMPACT: IFinance Director Review- None at this time; following final federal environmental clearancvs6bs6oent phases of the project (utility coordination, final engineering and constyction bidding) will occur which are currently funded by the contract services agreement with HDR Engineering, Inc. -. C<A,X9h, David J. Barakian Thomas J. Wit n Director of Public Works/City Engineer Assistant City Manager David H. Ready, Cityy M r G ,ATTACHMENTS: 1. Vicinity Map, 2. Conceptual Plans, 3. Mitigated Negative Declaration, 4. Comments received on the Mitigated Negative Declaration, 5. Response to comments on the Mitigated Negative Declaration, 6. Resolution t. r120 FS VICINITY MAP 30 ----- ........... mow ROME 'Elm qygqy( q I 01; ROME Jh_ Ca 3r-_Al 41 Q igZg 1j SAM, J 0110 1 4PRRRNJ f PROPO6E48[E1DGE -� � � ��� `MOCNOJG tYenY u[a q r* MATCN GENE III R 0 TRpR N AHGE IN111VElAET .�.��-.• [[LL9Na[IYNY-aFWtY / ` � - Ek1515N13'f- /f j SRIItyEwn!NIItG' 'i 0 f ' O Z —END PROJECT m n _ NOTE:NO NEWRIGHTOFWAY D EXffiTMO rAA`ESWLLEERERUIREO z s CITY RMP {' � " I1NIDNPACIFIC MATGIi PRO.IEGT m fiF.F1H AVTRC TR61l nENiR¢ ` PROPOSED TOE OF SLOPE `.aREGIN PROJECT 100 0 100 200 r1- FIGURE 2 Crene At�ny Trail RR Bridge Widening PN0R301\Graphic,VMPI.,Os dP.pe lFT,.,c2 PROPOSED PROJECT GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION CITY OF PALM SPRINGS INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION l. Project title: Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project 2. Lead agency name and address: City of Palm Springs 3200 E.Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, California 92262 3. Contact person and phone number: Marcus Fuller, P.E.,Senior Civil Engineer (760)-323-8732, or Craig A. Ewing, Director of Planning (760) 323-8245 4. Project location: City of Palm Springs, on Gene Autry Trail from the bridge approach at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing to the Salvia Road/Micro Place intersection (Figure 1). 5. Project sponsor's name and address: City of Palm Springs P.O. Box 2743 Palm Springs, CA 92263-2743 6. General plan designation: N/A 7. Zoning: N/A 8. Description of project: (Describe the whole action involved, including but not limited to later phases of the project, and any secondary, support, or off-site features necessary for its implementation. Attach additional sheets if necessary.) The proposed project consists of widening the existing Gene Autry Trail Bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks (B(dge No.56C82) from a two lane to six lane bridge with the construction on the east side of the existing structure (Figure 2). The project will require construction of new embankments for the bridge approaches. The typical cross section would include six 12-foot travel lanes, two eight-foot shoulders, a 12-foot median, and five-foot sidewalks. Left turn lanes would be provided at Salvia Road/Micro Place. This project is proposed for construction in 2006- 7 and is anticipated to take 12 months to complete. During construction, traffic would be maintained with lane shifts and signalization. The six lane bridge will tie into an adjacent project (design by others) at the proposed realigned intersection of Salvia Road / Micro Place and ,...y Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study c', January 2006 Page 1 of 51 J011,50 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Gene Autry Trail. That project is sponsored by Caltrans and will widen the freeway overcrossing to six lanes and improve the capacity of the freeway interchange. The southern end of the project will be at the bottom of the beginning of the vertical curve on the approach over the railroad bridge. Gene Autry Trail will transition from six to four lanes at this point. City Project 02-03 will widen Gene Autry Trail south of the proposed project. Thus, Gene Autry Trail would be six lanes from Vista Chino to Via Escuela, four lanes from Via Escuela to the railroad, and six lanes from the railroad through the 1-10 interchange. 9. Surrounding land uses and setting: Briefly describe the project's surroundings: North: Open space and transportation (Gene Autry Trail, Salvia Road, Micro Place and Interstate 10). South: Open space and transportation (Gene Autry Trail). East: Open space and transportation (Union Pacific Railroad). West: Open space and transportation (Union Pacific Railroad). 10. Other public agencies whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or participation agreement.) • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • FHWA • Caltrans Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study January 2006 Page 2 of (JI - JI Scale inMies 62 San Bernardino =� '�p •,k`�,` 62 County k �y Riverside Co wlty _ � �ta r° '�' 10 PROJECT '� y, -'" '*i' LOCATION $I PROJECT �r�±;�,"� ��,�`'a� � € `wq',y � 10 '`"•�"�, LOCATION °^7v,�" r", a �E- .�:y '` '" 4 79 i�x S • fL�� L." [ Palm 111 Yl l 74 Spungs 10 .rEr 4 7 x I0� s„' fl �q F 'aa w�6v ra7�� lee xs i cie zf F � Trailer 7'1 Fv. -. r� „.",� • .. ✓ r - mac; tr .. VeR fi c L F n r`�ff t > $r i I q pJ 11i k t a �I 1� _ yL C,0 f. _ t ak ,, �• . tl 14 �i, 3.� ..- J KY 21 weiiiie i a F E a ,� �a yr a v s ,2 �a^5 ul i/ 1� y4 r^1 ''� u., •1 eLIX. IjV — r ad I 7� �r a f lg a� of ii � 1F �. N�� 1i I r, i / le tyre II d F.t r z. ' a F 666 II 1 , : Lk I 4 7 71 -.,✓�, t i c t � I � � a -�iscb e.tir ."J vSt Ie, ' jj ' t _ j � ' k u T " ^ P E i F+ FIGURE I o r000 z000 rear Gene Autry Tail Bridge Widening r 0 304.8 609.6 METERS SOURCE.FALMSPRINGS CA.REIVr1983 AND SEVEN PALMSDRAL CITY,CA,REV. eVALLEY,CA.REV.1978 1,DESERT HOT SPRINGS,CA REV 1978, Regional and Project Location Map P\HDR331 GATBWBudge\Graphma\IS\pFo3 loc GATBrc& UPPRP1W== 'T PROPOSED BRIDGE. WIDENING ,MATGNI.GENE AUTRY;T,f[Ail -` f -- bTu4Y ATfA /r w INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENT - PiIOYObfO -. •. KXIbY1N4 RL4MY4r,+YAt t - - EXISTING i, i ." ,.....,,, eb4P4Xf4 Yoe OF ano-re ,/ I t f CITY RNJ •� BRI09E N7DIlFf� 45 ENE? PROJECT i t �- A,� r r- �, NOTE NONEWR1GHr'OFWAY = EXISTING WESIMUBERFOUIRED r f clrlt ww uNIDI'LPAuw*PACiFt 7G MAT Ct3 PR ECr 0ZWa ' GEF EA1JTRlr TRAIL;b7DENIF}lg // PROPOSED TOE OF SLOPE ---BEGIN PROJECT 100 0 100 200 i:rt-�ws FIGURE 2 Gene Autry Trail RR Bridge Widening PROPOSED PROJECT P:HDR3311Graphicsk&Proposed Project Figure 2 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a 'Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. ❑ Aesthetics ❑ Agriculture Resources ❑ Air Quality ❑ Biological Resources ❑ cultural Resources ❑ Geology/Soils ❑ Hazards&Hazardous ❑ Hydrology/Water Quality ❑ Land Use/Planning Materials ❑ Mineral Resources ❑ Noise ❑ Population/Housing ❑ Public Services ❑ Recreation ❑ Transportation/Traffic ❑ Utilities/Service Systems ❑ Mandatory Findings of Significance Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study t4`t January 2006 Page 5 of 51 s GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION DETERMINATION: (To be completed by the Lead Agency) On the basis of this initial evaluation: I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the ❑ environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the ® project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, ❑ and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact' or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to ❑ applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable ❑ standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required. Craig A. Ewing, AICP Date Director of Planning Services Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study January 2006 - ?' Page 6 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: 1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g., the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A "No Impact' answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards (e.g., the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis). 2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on- site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts. 3) Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. 'Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more 'Potentially Significant Impact' entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required. 4) "Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from 'Potentially Significant Impact' to a "Less Than Significant Impact" The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level (mitigation measures"Earlier Analyses,"as described in (5) below, may be cross-referenced). 5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case,a brief discussion should identify the following: a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project. 6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated. 7) Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study `s January 2006 o„ate^• Page P at�17 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 8) This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project's environmental effects in whatever format is selected. 9) The explanation of each issue should identify: a) the significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question;and b) the mitigation measure identified,if any,to reduce the impact to less than significance Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study n r�Y1? January 2006 Page 8 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION ' Less Than .. , . Potentially ' Significant" Less Than Significant .With Mitigation" Significant No. Impact . Incorporated Impact Impact I. AESTHETICS. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic El ❑ Elvista? b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock El El ❑ outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its ❑ ❑ ❑ N surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or ❑ ❑ ❑ N nighttime views in the area? A) HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON A SCENIC VISTA? No Impact. The bridge widening project will have similar grades as the current bridge. The proposed project does not include the construction of any structure or facility that would block or otherwise affect existing views from Gene Autry Trail. No impact related to this issue will occur. B) SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGE SCENIC RESOURCES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, TREES, ROCK OUTCROPPINGS, AND HISTORIC BUILDINGS WITHIN A STATE SCENIC HIGHWAY? No Impact. The project consists of bridge widening and associated improvements and does not include the installation of structures that would alter the existing visual character within the limits of the project. The Palm Springs General Plan designates Gene Autry Trail as a scenic corridor. Because the proposed project will be constructed at similar grades as the existing bridge, no visual impact will occur. C)SUBSTANTIALLY DEGRADE THE EXISTING VISUAL CHARACTER OR QUALITY OF THE SITE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS? No Impact.See I(a) and I(b). D)CREATE A NEW SOURCE OF SUBSTANTIAL LIGHT OR GLARE WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT DAY OR NIGHTTIME VIEWS IN THE AREA? No Impact. The proposed project consists of bridge widening and associated improvements.The proposed project limits are within the Special Lighting Area established for Mount Palomar Observatory. No new source of substantial light or glare would be introduced into the area as a result of the project. Because the proposed project will not increase the amount, intensity, or distribution of light sources, no impact related to this issue will occur. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study January 2006 `� "+ Page 9 of 51 ���"A Ong t 1 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION - .. Less Than ' .: . Significant '. .. , '. Potentially ` "With Less Than Significant Mitigation`'- Significant Impact ,Incorporated Impact - Nolmpact II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES. In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997), prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? El El El 0 c) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use? A) CONVERT PRIME FARMLAND, UNIQUE FARMLAND, OR FARMLAND OF STATEWIDE IMPORTANCE (FARMLAND), AS SHOWN ON THE MAPS PREPARED PURSUANT TO THE FARMLAND MAPPING AND MONITORING PROGRAM OF THE CALIFORNIA RESOURCES AGENCY,TO NON-AGRICULTURAL USE? No Impact. The proposed project is not located within an area designated by the State as "Prime," "Unique," or "Statewide Important" farmland. The proposed project consists of improvements to Gene Autry Trail Railroad Bridge and would not impact any State-designated farmland; therefore, no impact related to this issue will occur. b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use,or a Williamson Act contract? No Impact. The proposed project is not within or adjacent to an area zoned for agricultural use or under a Williamson Act contract. No impact would occur. C)INVOLVE OTHER CHANGES IN THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT WHICH,DUE TO THEIR LOCATION OR NATURE,COULD RESULT IN CONVERSION OF FARMLAND TO NON-AGRICULTURAL USE? No Impact. The proposed project is not within or adjacent to an area currently used for agricultural purposes; therefore, no impact related to this issue will occur. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study ry� 4 January 2006 �' Page 10 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION . . Less Than Significant Potentially: With 'CessThan : Significant Mitigation`' Significant. . . Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact III. AIR QUALITY. Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations.Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the ❑ ❑ ❑ applicable air quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air ❑ ❑ ® ❑ quality violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is in non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality ❑ ❑ ® ❑ standard (including releasing emissions that exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial ❑ ❑ ® ❑ pollutant concentrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a ❑ ❑ ® ❑ substantial number of people? A)CONFLICT WITH OR OBSTRUCT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE APPLICABLE AIR QUALITY PLAN? No Impact. The 1992 City of Palm Springs General Plan Update EIR indicated that at build out, Gene Autry Trail between Vista Chino and 1-10 would be a 6-lane major thoroughfare. Thus, the proposed project is consistent with the existing General Plan, and is included in the applicable air quality plan (2003 Air Quality Management Plan, South Coast Air Quality Management Board [SCAQMB]). Because the proposed project is consistent with the General Plan, which was included in the AQMP, the widening of Gene Autry Trail will not conflict with or obstruct the AQMP. No impact related to this issue will occur. B) VIOLATE ANY AIR QUALITY STANDARD OR CONTRIBUTE SUBSTANTIALLY TO AN EXISTING OR PROJECTED AIR QUALITY VIOLATION? Less than Significant Impact.The project site is located in the City of Palm Springs, an area within the Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB).This part of the SSAB is currently under the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The SCAQMD is responsible for regional air quality monitoring and modeling for ozone-producing emissions in the project area. The SSAB region is separated from the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB) region by the San Jacinto Mountains and from the Mojave Desert Air Basin (MDAB) region by the Little San Bernardino Mountains. The Coachella Valley area is currently designated as non-attainment for the Federal (one hour) and State ozone standards, Federal PMIo standard, State PMIo standard, and transitional for Federal (eight-hour) ozone standard. The Coachella Valley area is unclassified for Federal PM2.5 Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study January 2006 r Page 11 of 51 w„o.M' GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION standards (nonattoinment [preliminary]),State particulate sulfate, hydrogen sulfide, and visibility- reducing particles standards, and is in attainment status for Federal and State standards for carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and lead. Area air quality regulations in the SSAB are administered by the SCAQMD. Operational Impacts The project is not anticipated to result in a net increase in traffic, but is anticipated to improve traffic flow and accommodate projected future traffic. Thus, it would not result in a long-term increase in vehicular emissions, and is not anticipated to violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation. Construction Impacts The SCAQMD estimates that each acre of graded surface creates about 26.4 pounds of PMio per workday during the construction phase of the project and 21.8 pounds of PMio per hour from dirt/debris pushing per dozer. It is assumed that up to a maximum of one acre of land would be under grading on any one day. It is also assumed that one dozer would be used up to eight hours per day. It is assumed that a maximum of 0.5 acre of open stockpiles would occur on the project site, which will generate 42.8 pounds per day (pled) of PMIo. Therefore, approximately 253 pounds of PMIo per day would be generated from soil disturbance before mitigation during the peak construction phase.This level of dust emission would exceed the SCAQMD threshold of 150 pounds per day. The project will comply with regional rules, which would assist in reducing the short-term air pollutant emissions. Fugitive dust from a construction site must be controlled with best available control measures so that the presence of such dust does not remain visible in the atmosphere beyond the property line of the emission source. Dust suppression techniques should be implemented to prevent fugitive dust from creating a nuisance off-site. Implementation of these dust suppression techniques can reduce the fugitive dust generation (and thus the PMio component) by 50 percent or more. These measures are imposed on all projects located within the region and include: Asphalt Paving • The construction contractor shall adhere to the requirements of SCAQMD rules and regulations on cutback and emulsified asphalt paving materials. Fugitive Dust The SCAQMD Rules 402 and 403 deal with the reduction and/or elimination of fugitive dust emissions resulting from construction operations. The SCAQMD has established the following standard measures to implement Rules 402 and 403: • All disturbed areas, including storage piles that are not being actively utilized for construction purposes shall be effectively stabilized for dust emissions using water, chemical stabilizers/suppressants, or vegetative ground cover. • All on-site unpaved roads and off-site unpaved access roads shall be effectively stabilized for dust emissions using water or chemical stabilizers/suppressants. • All land clearing, grubbing, scraping, excavation, land leveling, grading, cut-and-fill, and demolition activities shall be effectively controlled for fugitive dust emissions utilizing applications of water, or by presoaking. w, Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,initial Study January 2006 o $-` Page 12 of 51 ,,,e GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION • When materials are transported off-site, all material shall be covered or effectively wetted to limit visible dust emission; or at least six inches of freeboard space from the top of the container shall be maintained. • All operations shall limit or expeditiously remove the accumulation of mud or dirt from adjacent public streets at least once every 24 hours when operations are occurring. (The use of dry rotary brushes is expressly prohibited except where preceded or accompanied by sufficient wetting to limit the visible dust emissions.) (The use of blower devices is expressly forbidden.) • Following the addition of materials to, or the removal of materials from, the surface of outdoor storage piles, said piles should be effectively stabilized for fugitive dust emissions utilizing sufficient water or chemical stabilizers/suppressants. • Traffic speed on unpaved roads shall be limited to 15 mph. • Sandbags or other erosion control measures shall be installed to prevent silt runoff to public roadways from sites with a slope greater than 1 percent. • Wheel washers for all exiting trucks shall be installed, or all trucks and equipment washed off before leaving the site. • Windbreaks shall be installed at windward side(s) of construction areas. • Excavation and grading activity shall be suspended when winds exceed 20 mph. • Areas subject to excavation, grading, and other construction activity shall be limited at any one time. • In addition, construction will comply with the City of Palm Springs Grading Ordinance (Palm Springs Municipal Code, Chapter 8.50). Assuming a mitigating efficiency of 50 percent by implementation of the standard mitigation, daily PMIo emissions from soil disturbance would be reduced to approximately 136 pounds. Compliance with these rules would reduce impacts. It is further assumed that on a peak grading day, a total of 14 workers would be working on the project site. Assuming an average commute length of 25 miles each way for every worker, emissions from the daily 700 miles of travel by workers would generate approximately 6.0 ppd of CO, 1.1 ppd of ROC, 1.9 ppd of NOx, 0.3 ppd of SOx, and 0.7 ppd of PMIo from vehicle exhaust and tire wear. As shown in Table A, with adherence to SCAQMD standard measures, peak grading day construction equipment emissions would be below the SCAQMD daily thresholds for all criteria pollutants. The imposition of the stated fugitive dust control measures is a standard requirement imposed on all construction within the region. Because these measures reduce the level of fugitive dust to a below the identified threshold, additional measures are not required. Impacts related to this issue are, therefore, less than significant. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study rt January 2006 Page 13 of 51 r GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Table A: Peak Grading Day Construction Emissions Hours of Pollutants Operation Number and Equipment Type' CO ROC NOx Sox PM30 1 Scraper 8 10.0 2.2 30.7 3.7 3.3 1 Motor Grader 8 1.2 0.3 5.7 0.7 0.5 1 Tracked Loader 8 1.6 0.8 6.6 0.6 0.5 1 Tracked Dozer 8 2.8 1.0 10.1 1.1 0.9 1 Wheeled Tractor 8 28.6 2.9 20.3 1.4 2.2 1 Miscellaneousz 8 5.4 1.2 13.6 1.1 1.1 Worker Commute Exhausts 6.0 1.1 1.9 0.3 0.7 Subtotal Exhaust Emissions 55.6 9.5 88.9 Fugitive Dust Emissions Open Stock Pile4 42.8 Dirt/Debris Pushing5 174.4 Graded/Exposed Surface6 26.4 Total Grading: No Mitigation 55.6 9.5 88.9 8.9 252.8 Total Grading: With Mitigation 7 55.6 9.5 88.9 8.9 135.6 SCAQMD Threshold 550 75 100 150 150 Significant? (with mitigation) NO NO NO NO NO Emission factors provided by SCAQMD, 1993 CEQA Air Quality Handbook,Tables A9-8-A and A9-9. 2 A water truck. 3 Based on a commute length of 25 miles each way for 14 workers. 4 Emissions from one-half acre of open stock piles. 5 Emissions from one dozer operating eight hours per day. 6 Emissions from one acre of graded/exposed surface. 7 Assumes 50 percent effectiveness for dust suppression measures. �....,,, Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study r` January 2006 r' Page 14 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION CJ RESULT IN A CUMULATIVELY CONSIDERABLE NET INCREASE OF ANY CRITERIA POLLUTANT FOR WHICH THE PROJECT REGION IS NON-ATTAINMENT UNDER AN APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR STATE AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARD (INCLUDING RELEASING EMISSIONS WHICH EXCEED QUANTITATIVE THRESHOLDS FOR OZONE PRECURSORS)? Less than Significant Impact. As stated previously, the project site is located in an air basin that is designated as serious non-attainment for State PMio, as well as non-attainment for State ozone, Federal ozone, and Federal PMIo. The SCAQMB has prepared the Final 2002 Coachella Valley PMIo State Implementation Plan, and has a Draft 2003 Coachella Valley PMIo State Implementation Plan proposed to update and replace the 2002 plan. The project is not anticipated to result in a net increase in traffic, but is anticipated to improve traffic flow and accommodate projected future traffic. While implementation of the proposed project will generate a limited amount of pollutants during construction in an existing "non- attainment" area, the proposed project is not anticipated to result in an increase of vehicular traffic and therefore will not increase mobile source emissions. Thus, it would not result in a long- term increase in vehicular emissions, and is not anticipated to violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected cumulative air quality violation. D) EXPOSE SENSITIVE RECEPTORS TO SUBSTANTIAL POLLUTANT CONCENTRATIONS? Less than Significant Impact. The nearest receptor to the proposed project is the service station located north of the Gene Autry Trail/Interstate 10 intersection. This area could be adversely affected if the amount of traffic increased or if traffic congestion (i.e., idling time of vehicles) increased. However, the proposed project would not increase the net amount of traffic, and would improve traffic flow (decreasing existing and predicted future traffic congestion). Thus, the project would not increase the long-term pollutant concentrations in the area. During construction, it is possible that construction activities may result in increased emissions; however, the construction contractor would be required to adhere to fugitive dust control measures to limit short-term air quality impacts. Potential impacts related to this issue will be less than significant. E)CREATE OBJECTIONABLE ODORS AFFECTING A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE? Less than Significant Impact. Long-term operation of the proposed project would not result in objectionable odors. Odors typical of construction activities, such as paving operations, would be generated temporarily during the construction phase of the proposed project. Since these impacts are temporary and would cease when construction activities are completed, the impacts are not considered significant.The construction contractor will be required to adhere to standard SCAQMD measures to limit odors associated with asphalt paving. No significant long- or short-term odor impact associated with the widening of Gene Autry Trail will occur. Thus, no significant impacts would occur. q,...., Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project Initial Study January 2006 Page 15 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Less Than Significant ` Pgtentially .With Loss Than ' Significant` " Mitigation. Significant Impact Incorporated Impact Nolmpact IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, ❑ ® ❑ ❑ policies or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, El ® ❑ El or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands, as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not El El El to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal wetlands, etc.), through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption or other means? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or ❑ ® ❑ ❑ migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree ❑ ❑ ❑ preservation policy or ordinance? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community ❑ ® El Plan, or other approved local, EJ regional or state habitat conservation plan? A) HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT, EITHER DIRECTLY OR THROUGH HABITAT MODIFICATIONS, ON ANY SPECIES IDENTIFIED AS A CANDIDATE, SENSITIVE, OR SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES IN LOCAL OR REGIONAL PLANS, POLICIES, OR REGULATIONS,OR BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME OR U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE? Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. A total of 43 special status species were identified as potentially present on the proposed project site. A total of 3 federally/State listed as threatened or endangered species and 1 federal candidate for listing were identified as potentially present on-site. Of these species, one species (desert tortoise (Gopherus agassiziij) has a moderate-to-high probability for occurrence. The Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard (Uma inornata) and the Coachella Valley (or Palm Springs) round-tailed ground squirrel (Spermophilus tereticaudus chlorus) have high probability for occurrence, and the Coachella Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study January 2006 Page 16 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Valley milkvetch (Astragalus lentiginosus var.coachellae) was observed to be present on the site during the field survey. Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard. The Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard is federally listed as threatened and listed as endangered by the State of California. The site lies within the fee area for the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard; however, public projects have in the past been exempt from these fees. Focused surveys for this species would not be required. A portion of the site is contiguous on the west with the Whitewaler Floodplain Preserve for the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard but the project area does not lie within the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard critical habitat area. Desert Tortoise. The desert tortoise is federally and State listed as a threatened species. The site does not lie within any desert tortoise critical habitat area. However, the site has suitable habitat for the tortoise and focused surveys were undertaken to determine presence/absence of the species. LSA biologists surveyed the site for desert tortoise and none was found. Coachella Valley (or Palm Springs) round-tailed ground squirrel. The Coachella Valley (or Palm Springs) round-tailed ground squirrel is a federal candidate for listing. Suitable habitat is present in the form of disturbed desert scrub although the species was not observed during general biological surveys. Endangered Species Mitigation For purposes of endangered species impacts, this project was considered as part of the Gene Autry Trail/Palm Drive Interchange, along with a series of interchange improvements along 1-10 in the Coachella Valley (other interchange projects included Indian Avenue, Date Palm Drive, Ramon/Bob Hope, and Jefferson). The impact analysis and mitigation plan for these projects is specified in the "Conservation Plan Addressing the Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects of Interstate 10 Coachella Valley Interchange Projects," Caltrans, August 2003, which is available for review at the City of Palm Springs, Public Works Department. As identified in this plan, the Gene Autry Trail Railroad Bridge Project will cause 5.0 acres of direct impacts and 19.0 acres of indirect impacts to the habitat of endangered species. The Mitigation Bank provides for mitigation of these impacts through permanent acquisition and preservation of similar habitats at a 2:1 ratio for direct impacts, and a 1:1 ratio for indirect impacts. The Gene Autry Trail Railroad Bridge Project will therefore require the acquisition of 39.0 acres of opens space. According to the Initial Study and the Mitigation Bank, the roadway cannot be constructed until the conservation lands required to mitigate direct and indirect effects are acquired. The Mitigation Bank's development is a cooperative effort of numerous agencies including CDFG, USFWS, Caltrans, and CVAG. The Mitigation Bank was established in an August 2003 Cooperative Agreement Report between Caltrans and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments. Like all such agreements, it was subject to further review and approval by resource agencies; such review normally takes place after the approval of the CEQA document. Subsequent actions by Caltrans, CVAG and USFWS have further advanced the status of the Mitigation Bank. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study ,'.,,J��% January 2006 Page 17 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 1. The Programmatic Biological Opinion for the Mitigation Bank has been issued by the USFWS. On September 11, 2004, USFWS issued a Biological Opinion (BO) titled Programmatic Biological Opinion for Five Interchanges and Associated Arterial Improvement Projects along Interstate 10 and the Tiered Biological Opinion for the Palm Drive/Gene Autry Trial—Interstate 10 Interchange Improvement Project in Eastern Riverside County, California (1-6-04-F-3282.4; EA: 08-455800). The BO states "This consultation is programmatic because it is intended to cover interrelated projects by establishing conservation measures, including conservation banking protocol, based on avoidance and minimization measures developed to reduce both direct and indirect effects to threatened, endangered,and sensitive species in the action area for each project" (page 2). Because BO is programmatic, a Project Specific (or Tiered) BO is required for the Gene Autry Trail Railroad Bridge Project. On November 7, 2005, USFWS issued an appended BO titled Appended Programmatic Biological Opinion for Five Interchange Improvements on Interstate 10 and Associated Arterial Improvements for the Tiered Date Palm Drive Interchange Project, the Date Palm Drive Arterial Streets Project, and the Palm Drive/Gene Autry Trail Arterial Streets Project in Eastern Riverside County, California (1-6-05-P-3282, EA08-455900,455800). 2. The Coachella Valley Association of Governments has Already Acquired Most of the Mitigation Lands Required in the Conservation Bank. To facilitate the completion of the Interchange and Arterial Projects, CVAG has already acquired most of the lands envisioned in the mitigation agreement. As noted in correspondence from Allen Waggle to Marcus Fuller, CVAG has already acquired 1364 acres of the required 1545 acres of mitigation lands envisioned in the Conservation Plan (excluding the Indian Avenue Interchange, which requires a different type of habitat). The land acquired to-date is in the Joshua Hills area. CVAG will continue to acquire Conservation Lands until the conditions in the Agreement are complete. The existing lands in the Conservation Bank will be allocated to the projects on a first-come, first served basis. The Gene Autry Trail Railroad Bridge Project is anticipated to be among one of the first requesting mitigation credits, and it is anticipated that already acquired mitigation lands will be sufficient. Additionally, the Appended Biological Opinion requires the remaining mitigation lands to be purchased per the timeline of Conservative Measure 28, as quoted in mitigation measure BIO-2 below. Notwithstanding the above, the project cannot proceed to construction unless the requisite lands are "in the bank," per mitigation measure BIO-1. Implementation of the I-10 Conservation Plan will address project impacts to the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, the Coachella Valley Milkvetch and the Coachella Valley (or Palm Springs) round-tailed ground squirrel. Within the Programmatic BO twenty one (21) Conservation Measures have been identified. The Appended BO has identified Conservation Measures 1 through 20 to be implemented for the Project as stated in the Appended BO's Conservation Measure 25 as well as adding Conservation Measures 26 through 29. BIO-1 The City will ensure that preservation of lands as identified in the Conservation Plan Addressing the Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects of Interstate 10 Coachella Valley Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study 53 January 2006 Page 18 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Interchange Projects, August 2003 has been implemented prior to the commencement of construction. 11I0-2 The Appended Biological Opinion requires implementation of Conservation Measures 25 through 29.These measures are as follows: 25. Conservation measures I through 20 of the programmatic biological opinion will be implemented for the above appended projects. (The 20 conservation measures while not repeated in the Appended BO are repeated from the Programmatic BO as follows.) 1. All areas outside of the project footprint will be delineated as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs). All parties in conjunction with this operation will strictly avoid these areas. No construction activities, materials, or equipment will be permitted in the ESAs. These areas must be placed on the design plans and included in the construction contract. ESAs will be designated by erecting protective fencing delineating the project impact boundary and sensitive habitats.This barrier fencing will be constructed in such a way as to restrict the movement of reptiles into impacted areas. Fencing material can vary; however, it should consist of a cloth-like material that can withstand high winds, sun and heat. This fence should be buried 24-inches below the surface, to prevent terrestrial species from burrowing underneath, and extend above ground at least 24-inches. 2. An employee education program will be developed. Each employee (including temporary, contractors, and subcontractors) will receive a training/awareness program within two weeks of working on the proposed project. They will be advised of the potential impact to the listed species and the potential penalties for taking such species. At a minimum, the program will include the following topics: occurrence of the listed and sensitive species in the area, their general ecology, sensitivity of the species to human activities, legal protection afforded these species, penalties for violations of Federal and State laws, reporting requirements, and project features designed to reduce the impacts to these species and promote continued successful occupation of the project area environs. Included in this program will be color photos of the listed species, which will be shown to the employees. Following the education program, the photos will be posted in the contractor and resident engineers office, where they will remain throughout the duration of the project. The contractor, Resident Engineer, and Service-approved biological monitor will be responsible for ensuring that employees are aware of the listed species. 3. The project proponent will designate a Service-approved qualified biologist who will be responsible for overseeing compliance with protective measures for the listed species. The biologist will have the authority to halt all associated project activities that may be in violation of this biological opinion. In such an event, the biologist will contact the Service within 24 hours. .�.,, Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study January 2006 Page 19 of 5 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 4. Construction work areas will be delineated and marked clearly in the field prior to habitat removal and the marked boundaries maintained and clearly visible to personnel on foot and by heavy equipment operators. Employees will strictly limit their activities and vehicles to the proposed project areas, staging areas, and routes of travel. The project proponent and/or the biological monitor will contact the Service to verify that the limits of construction have been properly staked and are readily identifiable. 5. A biologist will monitor construction to ensure that vegetation removal, Best Management Practices (BMPs), ESA fencing, and all avoidance and minimization measures are properly constructed and .followed. 6. All equipment maintenance, staging, and dispensing of fuel, oil, or any other such activities, will occur in designated upland areas. The designated upland areas will be located in such a manner as to prevent any runoff from entering waters of the United States, including wetlands. 7. Typical erosion control measures, BMPs, in the vicinity of streams will be employed in accordance with the conditions in the 401 Water Quality Certification requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board. 8. Use of invasive exotic plant species in landscaped areas adjacent to or near sensitive vegetation communities will be restricted. In compliance with Executive Order 13112, impacted areas will be revegetated with plant species native to desert habitat types and the Coachella Valley, and will avoid the use of species listed in Lists A & B of the California Exotic Pest Plant Council's list of Exotic Pest Plants of Greatest Ecological Concern in California as of October 1999. 9. The seed of Coachella Valley milk-vetch will be collected off of plants from within the boundaries of permanent and temporary impacts from project construction. Seed collection will occur when the seed is past soft dough and prior to being naturally dispersed. The top four inches of soil surrounding the milk-vetch plants to be impacted will be collected and placed in plastic bags. This seed and soil will be distributed at an area consisting of aeolian habitat immediately following collection. The location where seed will be dispersed will be coordinated with the Service prior to collection. 10. All construction equipment will be inspected and cleaned prior to use in the proposed project footprint to minimize the importation of non-native plant material. All mulch, topsoil and seed mixes used during post construction landscaping activities and erosion control BMPs will be free of invasive plant species propagules. A weed abatement program will be implemented should invasive plant species colonize the area within the project footprint post-construction. 11. No off-road vehicle activity from construction personnel or other persons affiliated with the project will occur outside of the project footprint. , Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study `r January 2006 51 Page 20 of 4,,, GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION 12. To reduce attraction of ravens and crows, which may eat fringe-toed lizards, all trash will be placed in raven-proof containers and promptly removed from the site. 13. No pets or firearms will be permitted inside the project's construction boundaries or other associated work areas. 14. All sand removal and storage activities will be restricted to the project footprint. No maintenance activities will be authorized that extend beyond the boundaries of the project footprint. 15. To the extent possible, no sand removal activities will take place from 1 November-30 March (to avoid winter dormancy periods for the lizards) or if ambient air temperature exceeds 102 degrees Fahrenheit (the temperature at which lizard activity tends to be reduced). 16. Vehicle speeds on unpaved access roads will be restricted to a maximum of 25 MPH. 17. All culverts, bridges, and associated water passage structures will be maintained such that water and sediment may pass between upstream and downstream locations and so as not to block the passage of wildlife. 18. Impacts resulting from this project will be offset by implementing the agreements established in the Conservation Bank Plan Addressing the Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects of Interstate 10 Coachella Valley Interchange Projects (Plan). The Plan assesses potential effects and offsetting measures for the proposed projects. The Plan establishes mitigation ratios at 2:1 for direct impacts of the interchange and associated arterial improvements covered under this Opinion and 1:1 for indirect impacts. Required offsetting measures will be provided through the acquisition of land and the final conservation bank agreement. Caltrans and/or Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) will set up an endowment fund for the purpose of managing the proposed conservation bank in perpetuity. 19. Prior to beginning construction, CVAG, Caltrans, and FHWA will purchase and establish a conservation bank (Bank), as per the Plan; finalize a conservation bank agreement with the Service and CDFG, and set up the endowment fund for managing the property in perpetuity. Sufficient land will be purchased for the bank prior to start of construction for any given project. CVAG, Caltrans, and F HWA will coordinate with the Service and CDFG to locate and acquire Bank lands. All Bank lands will be approved by the Service and CDFG prior to purchase to ensure that these conservation lands benefit the fringe-toed lizard and milk-vetch. In addition, CVAG or its designee will be the manager of all Bank lands. 20. Geotechnical borings in areas with aeolian sand deposits will include the following measures: a. No cross country-travel and geotechnical borings will take place from 1 November - 30 March (to avoid winter dormancy periods for the lizards) or if ambient air temperature exceeds 102 degrees Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study January 2006 `,,,�<•' Page 21 of 51 4,rvnm 1. GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Fahrenheit (the temperature at which lizard activity tends to be reduced). b. When traveling cross-country, a route will be established and followed that avoids, to the maximum extent practicable, all sand hummocks and dunes. C. The surface area will be returned to the pre-disturbance state. If sand dunes or hummocks were impacted, then the surface sand will be placed in a separate pile and replaced as a dune or hummock. 26. For Projects slated to begin prior to the end of April 2006, the seed of and soil around Coachella Valley milk-vetch within project impact areas will be collected prior to construction. 27. Direct impacts to 138.97 acres of stabilized and partially stabilized shielded sand fields, active sand fields, ephemeral sand fields, Sonoran creosote bush scrub, Sonoran mixed woody and succulent scrub, and stabilized and partially stabilized desert dunes will be offset through the debit of 277.94 acres (a 2:1 replacement ratio) from the Conservation Bank. Indirect effects to 287.12 acres of stabilized and partially stabilized shielded sand fields, active sand fields, ephemeral sand fields, Sonoran creosote shrub scrub, Sonoran mixed woody and succulent scrub, and stabilized and partially stabilized desert dunes will be offset through the debit of 287.12 acres (a 1:1 replacement ratio) from the Conservation Bank. The 565.06 acres will be preserved in perpetuity by the Conservation Bank Manager as established in the conservation bank agreement. 28. Currently, 1364 acres have been purchased and preserved for the Conservation Bank. CVAG has committed to purchasing the remaining 431.44 acres within both the Willow Hole Conservation Area and the Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area according to the following timeline: 1) CVAG will open escrow on a parcel at least 115 acres and place a cash deposit of 25%of total purchase price prior to the start of construction on the widening of Gene Autry Trail widening south of the UPRR overcrossing;2) 224 acres prior to the start of construction on the widening of Varner Road within the Willow Hole Conservation Area; and 3) 92.44 acres prior to the start of construction on the widening of Indian Canyon Road within the Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area. 29. Each piece of the 565.06 (277.94 plus 287.12) acres of aeolian sand habitat will be acquired, protected, and debited from the Conservation Bank prior to the commencement of construction activities associated with each project. B) HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON ANY RIPARIAN HABITAT OR OTHER SENSITIVE NATURAL COMMUNITY IDENTIFIED IN LOCAL OR REGIONAL PLANS,POLICIES,OR REGULATIONS,OR BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME OR U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE? Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. Most of this area is proposed for the Whitewater River Floodplain Conservation Area under the Draft Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). The goal of the proposed Whitewater River Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study 34 January 2006 •� Page 22 of 51 K• - ( )(-) GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Floodplain Conservation Area will be to preserve much of this area to provide habitat for various identified sensitive plant and wildlife species. There would be an incremental loss to wildlife habitat from the proposed project due to the increased width of the bridge and paved area. The current bridge and roadway has already caused some wildlife movement impact and it is anticipated the proposed project will incrementally add to this. The Draft CVMSHCP recognizes the ultimate roadway as part of the plan. The Plan contains the following Draft text regarding Gene Autry Trail: "The appropriate Local Permittee for the project will ensure that when Gene Autry Trail and Indian Avenue are widened to six lanes, or in 2038-39, whichever comes first, fluvial and aeolian sand transport capacity is not reduced. Roadway design will facilitate aeolian sand transport. Sand that accumulates upwind of either road will be deposited on the downwind side of the road to address potential impacts to aeolian sand transport. At the some time, the appropriate Local Permittee will also ensure that wildlife underpasses of sufficient size, to be determined in consultation with the Wildlife Agencies, are installed to provide for the movement of Coachella Valley round-toiled ground squirrel, Palm Springs pocket mouse, Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, and otherspecies." With the Gene Autry Trail Railroad Bridge Project increasing the roadway to six lanes, the City has had informal discussions with the USFWS to determine design requirements to facilitate aeolian sand transport and wildlife underpasses. Prior to July 2005,the USFWS indicated the need for two pre-cast box culverts 12 feet wide by 8 feet high to be installed under the slope on the south side of the railroad bridge connecting the west and east side habitats. On October 4, 2005, City, CVAG, Caltrans and County staff met with USFWS to review the potential location of these culverts. After reviewing the site, it was determined that designing an area between a retaining wall and the southern bridge abutment with a flat "bench" versus the currently sloped soil could provide an affective means of increasing aeolian sand transport and providing a wildlife corridor. While the USFWS did not incorporate the requirements for aeolian sand transport and wildlife corridor into the Appended Biological Opinion, the description of the proposed action in the Appended BO states: "Planning will continue regarding the construction of a passageway along the southern end of the overcrossing and ramp to function as a sand transport/wildlife corridor connecting the west and east side habitats. Caltrans, CVAG and the City of Palm Springs will continue to work with the Service to develop a functioning passageway associated with the overcrossing including the concept of extending the bridge gap on the southern end of the overcrossing, installing culverts, or another solution that will provide for the desired wildlife crossing, and aeolian sand transport system." By incorporating the USFWS' requirements into the project design, impacts will be less than significant. BI0-3 The City will ensure that the design of the Gene Autry Railroad Bridge Project incorporates the aeolian sand transport/wildlife corridor requirements of the USFWS. c) HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON FEDERALLY PROTECTED WETLANDS AS DEFINED BY SECTION 404 OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, MARSH, VERNAL POOL, COASTAL, ETC.) THROUGH DIRECT REMOVAL,FILLING,HYDROLOGICAL INTERRUPTION,OR OTHER MEANS? No Impact.There are no jurisdictional wetlands in the vicinity of the project. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study ` January 2006 Page 23 of `, GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION D) INTERFERE SUBSTANTIALLY WITH THE MOVEMENT OF ANY NATIVE RESIDENT OR MIGRATORY FISH OR WILDLIFE SPECIES OR WITH ESTABLISHED NATIVE RESIDENT OR MIGRATORY WILDLIFE CORRIDORS, OR IMPEDE THE USE OF NATIVE WILDLIFE NURSERY SITES? Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. There would be an incremental loss to wildlife habitat from the proposed project due to the increased width of the bridge and paved area. The current roadway has already caused some wildlife movement impact and it is anticipated the proposed project will incrementally add to this. However, impacts to regional wildlife movement associated with the Gene Autry Trail Railroad Bridge Project is not expected to be significant with mitigation. See paragraph 4 (b) above for additional discussion and Mitigation Measure Bio-3. E) CONFLICT WITH ANY LOCAL POLICIES OR ORDINANCES PROTECTING BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES, SUCH AS A TREE PRESERVATION POLICY OR ORDINANCE? No Impact. The proposed project will not conflict with any local policies or ordinances. Thus, the proposed project will have no impacts to local policies and ordinances. F) CONFLICT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF AN ADOPTED HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN, NATURAL COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PLAN,OR OTHER APPROVED LOCAL,REGIONAL,OR STATE HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN? Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. The project is located in the vicinity of one pending and two existing conservation plans: Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard Habitat Conservation Plan. In 1985, the USFWS approved the Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). This plan, the second HCP ever prepared in the United States, created three preserves to protect habitat for the fringe-toed lizard, a State and federally listed endangered species, and provided an incidental take permit under the Federal Endangered Species Act for lawful activities outside the reserves. As discussed earlier, a portion of the site is contiguous on the west with the Whitewater Floodplain Preserve for the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard. As noted above, project impact to Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard will be mitigated through the I-10 Coachella Valley Interchange Projects Conservation Plan. Coachella Valley Interchange Projects Conservation Plan. As discussed above, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and other involved agencies have approved this Conservation Plan that will offset impacts from the proposed project and other related 1-10 interchange projects to sensitive species, including the Coachella Valley round-tailed ground squirrel (Spermophilus tereticaudus var. chlorus) and the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard. Other covered species of the CVMSHCP will also be covered under this Conservation Plan. Participation in this plan would entail setting aside suitable habitat at appropriate mitigation ratios to satisfy the requirements of the USFWS and CDFG. Mitigation Measure BIO-1 requires the project to participate in this plan. Draft Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan. The project is located within the plan boundaries for the Draft Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan. The project site is located within the Draft Preferred Alternative area (CVMSHCP, 2004) and within the proposed Whitewater River Floodplain Conservation Area. The Plan is intended to provide a means to standardize mitigation/compensation measures for the covered species so that, with respect to public and private development actions in the Coachella Valley, mitigation/compensation measures established by the Plan will concurrently satisfy applicable provisions of Federal and State laws pertaining to endangered species protection. It is further the intent of the Plan to standardize project review in assessing the effect of development activities Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study January 2006 „ , Page 24 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION on the covered species, consistent with CEQA and NEPA. It is also the intent of the Plan to specify a range of mitigation and/or compensation measures necessary to lessen or avoid the cumulative effects of development activities on covered species. The Plan was released for public review on November 5, 2004. The Draft Final Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan and associated documents including the Response to Comments are expected to be available on December 12, 2005. The CVAG Executive Committee is expected to consider certifying the Environmental Impact Report on January 30, 2006. After CVAG Executive Committee certification, the CVMSHCP/NCCP would be sent to the individual Permittees for their consideration. If the plan is implemented and approved by the City of Palm Springs prior to initiation of construction, then portions of the project would be subject to any relevant requirements under the plan. It is anticipated that participation in the 1-10 Interchange Projects Conservation Bank will provide equivalent mitigation to that required by the CVMSHCP. The Plan contains the following Draft text regarding Gene Autry Trail: "The appropriate Local Permittee for the project will ensure that when Gene Autry Trail and Indian Avenue are widened to six lanes, or in 2038-39, whichever comes first, fluvial and aeolian sand transport capacity is not reduced. Roadway design will facilitate aeolian sand transport, Sand that accumulates upwind of either road will be deposited on the downwind side of the road to address potential impacts to aeolian sand transport. At the some time, the appropriate Local Permittee will also ensure that wildlife underpasses of sufficient size, to be determined in consultation with the Wildlife Agencies, are installed to provide for the movement of Coachella Valley round-tailed ground squirrel, Palm Springs pocket mouse, Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, and otherspecies." As discussed in paragraph 4 (b) above, the City has had discussions with the USFWS on design requirements for the Gene Autry Trail Railroad Bridge Project, and Mitigation Measure Bio-3 will insure that the project is consistent with the proposed CVMSHCP and impacts are less than significant. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study January 2006 :° ",� Page 25 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Significant, ` Potentially '- 'With' Less Than .. Significant Mitigation:' Significant . 'Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact V. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined ❑ ❑ ® ❑ in " 15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource ❑ ❑ ® ❑ pursuant to " 15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique ❑ ❑ ❑ geological feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including those El ❑ ® ❑ interred outside of formal cemeteries? a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5? Less than Significant impact. A cultural resources records search and literature review was completed for the project in August 4, 2003 and an archaeological field survey for the project alignment was completed on August 1, 2003 (LSA Associates, Inc., August 2005). Additionally, notification to Native American Tribes (Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Cahuilla Band of Indians, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Augustine Band of Cahuilla Mission Indians, and the Ramona Band of Cahuilla Mission Indians) was made. With the exception of a segment of the modern, functioning Union Pacific Railroad with transects the project area along a historic route (CA-RIV-6381 H), no archaeological resources were identified; however, the proposed project has no potential to affect this property. No cultural resources were observed during the field survey. The Native American Tribes consulted did not identify any cultural resources within the limits of the proposed roadway widening. The Palm Springs General Plan includes policies (Policies 5b and 16) requiring the immediate cessation of construction/grading activities and notification of the City in the event archeological resources are uncovered. A qualified archaeologist shall be summoned to determine the significance of uncovered resources and specify appropriate mitigation. The recovery and/or recordation of any archeological resource would occur per applicable local, State, and/or Federal requirements. Because no archeological resources have been identified within the limits of the proposed project, no significant impact associated with this issue will occur. B) CAUSE A SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE CHANGE IN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE PURSUANT TO §15064.5? Less than Significant impact. Please refer to Response 5(a). Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study January 2006 �+ Page 6 of51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION C)DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY DESTROY A UNIQUE PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCE OR SITE OR UNIQUE GEOLOGIC FEATURE? No Impact. The area to be disturbed consists of approximately 500 linear feet of sand on either side of the existing road. Because of the disturbed condition within the project limits, no paleontological resources are expected to occur in this area. Therefore, no impact related to this issue will occur. D)DISTURB ANY HUMAN REMAINS,INCLUDING THOSE INTERRED OUTSIDE OF FORMAL CEMETERIES? Less than Significant Impact. State Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 states that if human remains are encountered during project construction, no further disturbance shall occur until the County Coroner has made a determination of origin and disposition pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5097.98.The County Coroner must be notified of the find immediately. If the remains are determined to be prehistoric, the Coroner will notify the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), which will determine and notify a Most Likely Descendant (MLD). With the permission of the landowner or his/her authorized representative, the MILD may inspect the site of the discovery.The MILD shall complete the inspection within 24 hours of notification by the NAHC. The MILD may recommend scientific removal and nondestructive analysis of human remains and items associated with Native American burials. Because the proposed project would comply with all applicable regulations (including State Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5), no significant impacts would occur with regard to human remains. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study r January 2006 Page 27 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION -Less Than 'Significant .Potentially V✓ifh- Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant :Impact :Incorporated Impact No Impact VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS. Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury or death, involving: i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other ❑ ❑ ❑ substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? ❑ ❑ ® ❑ ill) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? ❑ ❑ ® ❑ iv) Landslides? ❑ ❑ ❑ b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of El ❑ ® Eltopsoil? c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- ❑ ❑ ® ❑ or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), ❑ ❑ ® ❑ creating substantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater El El El systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? A) EXPOSE PEOPLE OR STRUCTURES TO POTENTIAL SUBSTANTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS, INCLUDING THE RISK OF LOSS, INJURY, OR DEATH INVOLVING: I) RUPTURE OF A KNOWN EARTHQUAKE FAULT,AS DELINEATED ON THE MOST RECENT ALQUIST-PRIOLO EARTHQUAKE FAULT ZONING MAP ISSUED BY THE STATE GEOLOGIST FOR THE AREA OR BASED ON OTHER SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE OF A KNOWN FAULT? REFER TO DIVISION OF MINES AND GEOLOGY SPECIAL PUBLICATION 42. No Impact. According to the California Department of Conservation Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones maps (May 2002) and the Draft Geotechnical Investigation, the proposed project is not located within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone; therefore, no impact related to fault rupture will occur. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study �. January 2006 . � Page 28 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION II)STRONG SEISMIC GROUND SHAKING? Less than Significant Impact. The project site is located in a highly seismic region within the influence of several fault systems that are considered active or potentially active.The closest mapped fault to the project limits is the Garnet Hill Fault, located approximately 0.5 mile north of the Gene Autry Trail Bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks. The nearest active fault to the project limits is the San Andreas Fault (known locally as the Banning Fault) located approximately 2.5 to 3.0 miles northeast of the roadway. While the maximum magnitude quake on the San Andreas Fault is estimated to be 7.4 (Richter scale), the proposed project would be built to the latest geotechnical standards and would include seismic strengthening of the existing bridge. The project would not increase the risk of loss, injury, or death due to seismic ground shaking over the existing risk. Thus, no significant impact would occur. III)SEISMIC-RELATED GROUND FAILURE,INCLUDING LIQUEFACTION? Less than Significant Impact. According to the City of Palm Springs General Plan Update EIR (1992), the potential for liquefaction is very low throughout most of the City. The project is not located in any of the areas of the City indicated in the EIR to have groundwater at a depth of less than 100 feet (i.e., near Agua Caliente Spring, areas immediately north of the Banning Fault, and certain limited areas in the Santa Rosa Mountains). Based on information from the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWS) the depth of groundwater at a well 0.75 mile north of the UPRR overcrossing was 199 feet below ground level (2002). The geotechnical investigation prepared for the proposed project stated the potential for liquefactions of soils underlying the project site was, "relatively low." The General Plan further states there is a "slight" potential for "differential compaction/seismic settlement" within portions of the City. Because the project does not include the construction of habitable structures and would not increase the population in the area, potential impacts related to these issues are less than significant. IV) LANDSLIDES? No Impact. The topography within the limits of the proposed project is generally flat. Elevations within the project limits range from 560 feet above mean sea level (amsl) in the north to 540 feet amsl in the south (a slope of less than 1%.) The City of Palm Springs General Plan Update EIR (1992) indicates that landslides are a concern primarily in the hilly and mountainous areas of the City. Because the project site is located in a generally flat area, with a low elevation differential across the site, no impact related to this impact will occur. B)RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL SOIL EROSION OR THE LOSS OF TOPSOIL? Less than Significant Impact. According to the Soil Survey of Riverside County, California, Coachella Valley Area (U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service 1980), the proposed project is located on the Corsitas-Myoma-Carizo soil association. This association is described as nearly level to moderately steep, somewhat excessively drained or excessively drained sands, fine sands, gravelly sands, cobbly sands, and stony sands on alluvial fans and valley fill.The following soil types occur in the project area: • Carsitas cobbly sand, 2 to 9 percent slopes: runoff is rapid. The erosion hazard is moderate. The hazard of soil blowing is slight. • Myoma fine sand, 5 to 15 percent slopes:somewhat excessively drained with very slow runoff and rapid permeability. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project Initial Study ? January 2005 „a� Page 29 of 51 _ GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION According to the soil survey, these soil types have a very low susceptibility to erosion. The project would comply with all required erosion control measures and best management practices that would be required as a part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit (refer to Response 8[a]). Adherence to standard erosion control measures will reduce potential impacts associated with this issue to a less than significant level. C) BE LOCATED ON A GEOLOGIC UNIT OR SOIL THAT IS UNSTABLE,OR THAT WOULD BECOME UNSTABLE AS A RESULT OF THE PROJECT,AND POTENTIALLY RESULT IN OW OR OFF-SITE LANDSLIDE, LATERAL SPREADING,SUBSIDENCE, LIQUEFACTION OR COLLAPSE? Less than Significant Impact. Please refer to Responses 6(a)(i) -6(a)(iv) and 6(b). D) BE LOCATED ON EXPANSIVE SOIL,AS DEFINED IN TABLE 18-1-B OF THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE(1994),CREATING SUBSTANTIAL RISKS TO LIFE OR PROPERTY? Less than Significant Impact. The project is located on soils which have a low shrink-swell potential (U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service 1980); therefore, potential impacts related to this issue are less than significant. E) HAVE SOILS INCAPABLE OF ADEQUATELY SUPPORTING THE USE OF SEPTIC TANKS OR ALTERNATIVE WASTEWATER DISPOSAL SYSTEMS WHERE SEWERS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE DISPOSAL OF WASTEWATER? No Impact. The proposed project does not include the construction of any structure or facility that will generate wastewater. Because the installation or use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems is not required, no impact related to this issue will occur. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study �T January2006 �„ Page 30 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Less Than Significant Potentially, With Less Than _ Significant' Mitigation Significant No !Impact `'. 'Incorporated Impact Impact VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use ❑ ❑ ® ❑ or disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the ❑ ❑ ® ❑ release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances or El ❑ waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code §65962.5 and, as a result, ❑ ® ❑ ❑ would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan area or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or a El ❑ Elpublic use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety El ❑ hazard for people residing or working in the project area? g) Impair implementation of, or physically interfere with, an adopted emergency response plan or ❑ ❑ ® ❑ emergency evacuation plan? h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to ❑ ❑ ❑ urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? A) CREATE A SIGNIFICANT HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC OR THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH THE ROUTINE TRANSPORT, USE, OR DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS? Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project seeks to widen and improve an existing bridge and roadway to accommodate existing and predicted future traffic. As a major thoroughfare, vehicles transporting hazardous waste and/or materials are anticipated to utilize Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study January 2006 Page 31 of 51 40 o,P� GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION this roadway. The proposed project may increase the traffic capacity or improve the level of service of the thoroughfare to the point that an increased number of such vehicles may utilize this pathway, marginally increasing the potential hazard to the public and/or the environment. However,this increase is not anticipated to be significant. B)CREATE A SIGNIFICANT HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC OR THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH REASONABLY FORESEEABLE UPSET AND ACCIDENT CONDITIONS INVOLVING THE RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT? Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project may increase the traffic capacity or improve the level of service of the thoroughfare to the point that an increased number of such vehicles may utilize this pathway, marginally increasing the potential hazard to the public and/or the environment in the event of accidents involving these vehicles. However, this increased risk is not anticipated to be significant. C) EMIT HAZARDOUS EMISSIONS OR HANDLE HAZARDOUS OR ACUTELY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, SUBSTANCES, OR WASTE WITHIN ONE-QUARTER MILE OF AN EXISTING OR PROPOSED SCHOOL? No Impact.The proposed project is not within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school (Thomas Bros. Maps, San Bernardino and Riverside County, 2003; Palm Springs Unified School District, htto://www.osusd.k]2.ca.us). D) BE LOCATED ON A SITE WHICH IS INCLUDED ON A LIST OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SITES COMPILED PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65962.5 AND,AS A RESULT,WOULD IT CREATE A SIGNIFICANT HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC OR THE ENVIRONMENT? Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. LSA Associates, Inc. prepared a hazardous waste initial site assessment (August 2005 Revised) for the proposed project. The database search found one leaking underground storage tank in the project area, but not within the project limits. No evidence of spills, accidental releases, or illegal dumping of hazardous materials or wastes was observed. Power pole-mounted transformers, which may contain polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB),were not observed within the project limits. The following measures would be incorporated into the project to reduce the significance of potential hazardous material impacts to less than significant levels: HAZ-1 Prior to construction, the bridge should be examined for asbestos utilizing a certified consultant. If asbestos is found to be present, then a certified contractor shall remove the asbestos prior to construction. HAZ-2 Prior to construction, conduct soil sampling for ADL in unpaved locations adjacent to Gene Autry Trail within the project limits, if not previously tested in accordance with Standard Special Provisions (SSP) XE 19-900.The analytical results of the soil sampling will determine the appropriate handling of the soil and disposal of surplus materials. HAZ-3 Prior to construction, conduct testing, and follow removal requirements for yellow traffic striping and pavement marking in accordance with SPP XE 15-300. HAZ-4 Whenever excavation is proposed, the potential exists for unknown hazardous contamination to be revealed during project construction. For any previously unknown hazardous waste/material encountered during construction, the procedures outlined in Hazardous Waste Initial Site Assessment, Gene Autry Trail Railroad Bridge Widening Project, Attachment D (Caltrans Unknown Hazards Procedures) shall be followed. Gene Autry Trait Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study 3s January 2006 Page 32 of 51 (: )­ v','n GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION E) FOR A PROJECT LOCATED WITHIN AN AIRPORT LAND USE PLAN OR, WHERE SUCH A PLAN HAS NOT BEEN ADOPTED, WITHIN TWO MILES OF A PUBLIC AIRPORT OR PUBLIC USE AIRPORT, WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN A SAFETY HAZARD FOR PEOPLE RESIDING OR WORKING IN THE PROJECT AREA? No Impact. While the southern end of the project is located approximately two miles of the Palm Springs Regional Airport, the project entails the widening of an existing bridge and roadway and does not include the construction of structures or facilities that would interrupt or impair airport operations. The proposed project as designed will facilitate the passage of existing and future traffic to and through the City. Because the proposed project would not expose persons or property to an airport-related safety hazard, no impact associated with this issue will occur. F] FOR A PROJECT WITHIN THE VICINITY OF A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP, WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN A SAFETY HAZARD FOR PEOPLE RESIDING OR WORKING IN THE PROJECT AREA? No Impact. The project is not located in the vicinity of a private airstrip; therefore, no impact related to this issue will occur. G) IMPAIR IMPLEMENTATION OF OR PHYSICALLY INTERFERE WITH AN ADOPTED EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN OR EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN? Less than Significant Impact. The project would widen and improve Gene Autry Trail, a major thoroughfare, which would result in an increased level of service and improved traffic flow. This would benefit emergency response and evacuation. Temporary construction-related delays may occur. The construction contractor will be required to adhere to all City of Palm Springs standards to manage construction activities so as to avoid any significant disruption to existing traffic flows. Adherence to City standards will reduce potential impacts associated with this issue to a less than significant level. H) EXPOSE PEOPLE OR STRUCTURES TO A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF LOSS, INJURY OR DEATH INVOLVING WILDLAND FIRES, INCLUDING WHERE WILDLANDS ARE ADJACENT TO URBANIZED AREAS OR WHERE RESIDENCES ARE INTERMIXED WITH WILDLANDS? No Impact. The project does not entail construction of habitable structures, nor is the project site located within a wildland fire hazard area. There would be no increased risk for property loss or personal injury resulting from wildfires;therefore, no impact related to this issue will occur. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study yN January 2006 y, ,„, Page 33 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Less Than :. . ..Significant Potential] with!, Less Than Significant . Mitigation Significant No ` Impact- ' , Incorporated ` Impact impact '" Vill, HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste El El ® El requirements? b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater ❑ ❑ ® El level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which ❑ ❑ ® ❑ would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially El ❑ ® El the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner that would result in flooding on- or off- site? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned ❑ ❑ ® ❑ stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? ❑ ❑ ® ❑ g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary El El Elor Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures that would impede or redirect flood ❑ ❑ ❑ flows? i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including ❑ ❑ ❑ flooding as a result of a failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami or mudflow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study a °s January 2006 �1� Page 34 of 5 �� GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? Less than Significant Impact. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act requires discharges (from point and non-point sources) into navigable water to meet stringent National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit standards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published regulations establishing requirements for application of stormwater permits for specified categories of industries, municipalities, and certain construction activities. The regulations require that discharges of stormwater from construction activity of 1.0 acre or more must be regulated and covered by an NPDES permit. When a construction area exceeds 1.0 acre in size, the applicant must develop and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to control non-point pollution. The project would require earfhmoving activities. Any such activity would increase the potential for the erosion of exposed soils (either via wind or water). Although permanent erosion control measures would be incorporated into the final design of the proposed project, temporary erosion control measures would be required during construction. The project will obtain an NPDES permit from the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). Under the NPDES permit, a site-specific SWPPP will be required for the project. The SWPPP will identify project-specific Best Management Practices (BMPs) that would minimize the soil erosion and subsequent stormwater discharges. Because erosion control methods will be adhered to throughout the duration of the proposed project, no significant soil erosion or siltation impacts will result from implementation of the proposed project. B) SUBSTANTIALLY DEPLETE GROUNDWATER SUPPLIES OR INTERFERE SUBSTANTIALLY WITH GROUNDWATER RECHARGE SUCH THAT THERE WOULD BE A NET DEFICIT IN AQUIFER VOLUME OR A LOWERING OF THE LOCAL GROUNDWATER TABLE LEVEL (E.G., THE PRODUCTION RATE OF PRE-EXISTING NEARBY WELLS WOULD DROP TO A LEVEL WHICH WOULD NOT SUPPORT EXISTING LAND USES OR PLANNED USES FOR WHICH PERMITS HAVE BEEN GRANTED)? Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project would not generate an additional water demand. The proposed project would incrementally increase the amount of paved surface within the project area. Currently, the existing paved area within the limits of the proposed project totals approximately 1.2 acres. The additional paved area resulting from construction of the proposed roadway widening is 2.4 acres. Because the project area is predominantly surrounded by open space, the increase of impermeable surface area will not substantially interfere with the volume or extent of groundwater recharge. Because runoff would continue to have adequate space to infiltrate into local groundwater basins, no significant impact related to this issue will occur. C)SUBSTANTIALLY ALTER THE EXISTING DRAINAGE PATTERN OF THE SITE OR AREA,INCLUDING THROUGH THE ALTERATION OF THE COURSE OF A STREAM OR RIVER,IN A MANNER WHICH WOULD RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL EROSION OR SILTATION ON- OR OFF-SITE? Less than Significant Impact. The existing roadway is raised on an embankment above the surrounding terrain to gain the vertical separation needed to span the existing railroad. The existing roadway has a crown,with both sides draining to the surrounding terrain. The widened bridge and roadway will have a crown and will drain in both directions to the surrounding terrain. This drainage pattern is similar to existing conditions and allows runoff,to be discharged over a large area, rather than being funneled to a central discharge point where erosion problems could occur. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study V January 2006 Page 35 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Because erosion control methods will be adhered to throughout the duration of the proposed project, no significant impact related to this issue will occur. D)SUBSTANTIALLY ALTER THE EXISTING DRAINAGE PATTERN OF THE SITE OR AREA,INCLUDING THROUGH THE ALTERATION OF THE COURSE OF A STREAM OR RIVER, OR SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE THE RATE OR AMOUNT OF SURFACE RUNOFF IN A MANNER WHICH WOULD RESULT IN FLOODING ON-OR OFF-SITE? Less than Significant Impact. The widened bridge and roadway will have a crown and will drain in both directions to the surrounding terrain. This drainage pattern is similar to existing conditions. The proposed project entails the widening of an existing roadway within the existing (ght-of-way. While the proposed project would incrementally increase runoff within the project area, it does not include the construction of structures of facilities that would result in on- or off-site flooding; therefore, no significant impact related to this issue will occur. E)CREATE OR CONTRIBUTE RUNOFF WATER WHICH WOULD EXCEED THE CAPACITY OF EXISTING OR PLANNED STORMWATER DRAINAGE SYSTEMS OR PROVIDE SUBSTANTIAL ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF POLLUTED RUNOFF? Less than Significant Impact. Please refer to Responses 8(c-d). When a construction area exceeds 1.0 acre in size, the applicant must develop and implement an SWPPP to control non- point pollution. Because the proposed project will only incrementally increase impermeable surfaces, and because construction activities will be required to adhere to applicable erosion control measures included in the SWPPP, no significant impact related to this issue will occur. F)OTHERWISE SUBSTANTIALLY DEGRADE WATER QUALITY? Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project does not include the construction of any permanent structure or facility that will utilize hazardous materials. Short-term construction activities will entail the use of potentially hazardous automotive fluid and construction materials. The use of such materials is subject to State and Federal regulation, reducing potential impacts to a less than significant level. Storm runoff from roadway surfaces tainted by sediment, petroleum products, commonly utilized construction materials and to a lesser extent, trace metals such as zinc, copper, lead, cadmium and iron, may lead to the degradation of stormwater in downstream channels. The proposed project will incrementally increase, by 2.4 acres, the total amount of paved surfaces in the City. Adherence to NPDES requirements will reduce potential impacts related to this issue to a less than significant level. G) PLACE HOUSING WITHIN A I00-YEAR FLOOD HAZARD AREA AS MAPPED ON A FEDERAL FLOOD HAZARD BOUNDARY OR FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP OR OTHER FLOOD HAZARD DELINEATION MAP? No Impact. The proposed project does not include the construction of housing; therefore, no impact related to this issue will occur. H) PLACE WITHIN A I00-YEAR FLOOD HAZARD AREA STRUCTURES WHICH WOULD IMPEDE OR REDIRECT FLOOD FLOWS? No Impact. The project is located outside of the 100-year flood hazard area. I) EXPOSE PEOPLE OR STRUCTURES TO A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF LOSS,INJURY OR DEATH INVOLVING FLOODING,INCLUDING FLOODING AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE OF A LEVEE OR DAM? No Impact. The proposed project does not include the alteration of any existing flood control features. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study ` January 2006 Page 36 of 51 , GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION i) EXPOSE PEOPLE OR STRUCTURES TO INUNDATION BY SEICHE,TSUNAMI,OR MUDFLOW? No Impact. Impacts associated with a seiche or tsunami are associated with proximity to a standing water body or the ocean, respectively. The proposed project is not located in close proximity to standing water, and is not in a coastal area.Thus, no impacts from seiche or tsunami would occur. According to the Palm Springs General Plan Update EIR (1992), the project is not located in an area (near the base of mountains or hillsides) that would be at a substantial risk for mudflow. The proposed project would modify an existing bridge and road, and thus would not create a new or increased risk of inundation by mudflow. No impacts related to this issue will occur. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study January 2006 Page 37 of 61 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Less Than Significant Potentially With Less,Than :Significant ',Mitigation Significant ,' No Impact' Incorporated Impact Impact IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? ❑ ❑ ❑ b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to, the general ❑ El ❑ plan, specific plan, local coastal program or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation ❑ ❑ ❑ plan or natural community conservation plan? a) Physically divide an established community? No Impact.The proposed project consists of widening an existing bridge and roadway, which is located on the outer periphery of the City of Palm Springs. Thus, no division of an established community would result from implementation of the proposed project. B) CONFLICT WITH ANY APPLICABLE LAND USE PLAN,POLICY, OR REGULATION OF AN AGENCY WITH JURISDICTION OVER THE PROJECT (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE GENERAL PLAN, SPECIFIC PLAN, LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM, OR ZONING ORDINANCE)ADOPTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING OR MITIGATING AN ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT? No Impact. The proposed project is consistent with the City of Palm Springs General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. No other adopted plans have jurisdiction over the proposed project. C)CONFLICT WITH ANY APPLICABLE HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN OR NATURAL COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PLAN? No Impact. Please refer to discussion of habitat conservation plans in the biological resources section. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study �Y, �` January 2006 Page 38 of 51 (� 1P'1;�1r�� GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION .. .,.: . ,.. ,Less Than !Significant, Potentially With Less Than "Significafif 'Mitigation Significant No -Impact Incorporated Impact. Impact X. MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and ❑ ❑ ❑ the residents of the state? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local ❑ ❑ ❑ general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? No Impact.The City of Palm Springs General Plan does not indicate any mineral resources in the vicinity of the project area. The Plan states that surface mining shall be limited to those areas designated MRZ-2 or SZ by the State Mining and Geology Board. While the General Plan indicates that some parts of the Whitewater River drainage contain important deposits of sands and gravel, the area within and adjacent to the project area is designated as MRZ-3 and Water by the State Mining and Geology Board. Furthermore, the proposed project does not include the any manner of mineral extraction;therefore, no impact associated with this issue will occur. B) RESULT IN THE LOSS OF AVAILABILITY OF A LOCALLY-IMPORTANT MINERAL RESOURCE RECOVERY SITE DELINEATED ON A LOCAL GENERAL PLAN,SPECIFIC PLAN OR OTHER LAND USE PLAN? No Impact. Please refer to Response 10(a). Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study January 2006 ' Page 39 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Less Than Significant Potentially, .With. Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant ` :''No . Impact Incorporated Impact Impact' XI. NOISE. Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the ❑ ❑ ® ❑ local general plan or noise ordinance or of applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne ❑ ❑ ® ❑ noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels ❑ ❑ ® ❑ existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above ❑ ❑ ® ❑ levels existing without the project? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan area or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or a El El Elpublic use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing El ❑ Elor working in the project area to excessive noise levels? a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? Less than Significant Impact. Construction of the proposed project would result in short-term intermittent noise that is located approximately 1,980 m (6,500 it) from existing residences. Therefore, no abatement measures are required for construction activities. Please note that operational impacts of the roadway are discussed in item c) below. B) EXPOSURE OF PERSONS TO OR GENERATION OF EXCESSIVE GROUNDBORNE VIBRATION OR GROUNDBORNE NOISE LEVELS? Less than Significant Impact. Construction of the project would not result in significant groundborne vibration or groundborne noise on properties adjacent to the project site. Furthermore, project operation would not generate significant groundborne noise and vibration. Therefore, no significant groundborne noise and vibration impacts would occur, and no mitigation measures are required. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study January 2006 Page 40 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION C) A SUBSTANTIAL PERMANENT INCREASE IN AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS IN THE PROJECT VICINITY ABOVE LEVELS EXISTING WITHOUT THE PROJECT? Less than Significant Impact. The closest sensitive receptors are located approximately 1,980 m (6,500 ft) southwest of the project area. Therefore, there are no potentially impacted receivers in the vicinity of the project. No further analysis is required. No abatement measures are required to reduce long-term traffic noise levels. D)A SUBSTANTIAL TEMPORARY OR PERIODIC INCREASE IN AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS IN THE PROJECT VICINITY ABOVE LEVELS EXISTING WITHOUT THE PROJECT? Less than Significant Impact. As discussed in Response 1 1(a), above, and Response I I(c), above, noise increases will be less than significant. E) FOR A PROJECT LOCATED WITHIN AN AIRPORT LAND USE PLAN OR, WHERE SUCH A PLAN HAS NOT BEEN ADOPTED, WITHIN TWO MILES OF A PUBLIC AIRPORT OR PUBLIC USE AIRPORT, WOULD THE PROJECT EXPOSE PEOPLE RESIDING OR WORKING IN THE PROJECT AREA TO EXCESSIVE NOISE LEVELS? No Impact. The proposed project is located within approximately two miles of the Palm Springs Regional Airport. However, the project would not affect operations at the airport, nor would it entail the construction of habitable structures. Furthermore, according to the Draft EIR/EIS for Implementation of Airport Master Plan and F.A.R. Part 150 Study (Coffman Associates, 1995, for the City of Palm Springs), the proposed project is outside of the 60 CNEL noise contour of the Palm Springs Regional Airport. Because the proposed project would not expose people residing or working near the project area to airport-related noise, no impact associated with this issue will occur. F) FOR A PROJECT WITHIN THE VICINITY OF A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP, WOULD THE PROJECT EXPOSE PEOPLE RESIDING OR WORKING IN THE PROJECT AREA TO EXCESSIVE NOISE LEVELS? No Impact.The project is not located in the vicinity of a private airstrip;therefore, no impact related to this issue will occur. ..�.,`t Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study January 2006 Page 41 of 51(�/' GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Less Than " . . +Significant .. Potentially, with Less Than ` Significant Mitigation Significant No ,. Impact . Incorporated, Impact ;Impact; XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly(e.g., by proposing new homes and El El Elbusinesses) or indirectly (e.g., through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of ❑ ❑ ❑ replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement ❑ ❑ ❑ housing elsewhere? a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other Infrastructure)? No Impact. As envisioned in the City's General Plan, the proposed project entails the widening and improving Gene Autry Trail and its railroad bridge overcrossing to accommodate existing and predicted future traffic. The project does not include the construction of new residential or employment-generating uses. Gene Autry Trail is an existing facility. Because the proposed widening of the bridge and Gene Autry Trail has been anticipated in the City's General Plan, it will not result in population growth or the extension of infrastructure that has not been already anticipated. Because the proposed project will facilitate growth already anticipated by the City, no impact related to this issue will occur. B) DISPLACE SUBSTANTIAL NUMBERS OF EXISTING HOUSING, NECESSITATING THE CONSTRUCTION OF REPLACEMENT HOUSING ELSEWHERE? No Impact. The proposed project would not displace any existing housing. Thus, no impact would occur. c) DISPLACE SUBSTANTIAL NUMBERS OF PEOPLE, NECESSITATING THE CONSTRUCTION OF REPLACEMENT HOUSING ELSEWHERE? No Impact.The proposed project would not displace any housing, businesses, or other habitable structures.Thus, no impact would occur. 9111 Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,initial Study January 2006 "Ir Page 42 of 51 I inc-',r) GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Less Than - Significant' Potentially ' With ` Less Than . . Significantr Mitigation Significant No Impact Incorporated 'Impact' Impact"', XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the following public services: a) Fire protection? ❑ ❑ ® ❑ b) Police protection? ❑ ❑ ® ❑ c) Schools? ❑ ❑ ❑ d) Parks? ❑ ❑ ❑ e) Other public facilities? ❑ ❑ ❑ a) Fire protection? Less than Significant Impact.The proposed project would not result in a population increase and does not entail the construction of structures requiring fire protection. However, a short-term effect relating to response time may occur if traffic flow along the road is restricted during bridge and roadway improvements. Adherence to City fire protection and emergency access requirements will reduce potential impacts related to this issue to a less than significant level. b) Police protection? Less than Significant Impact.The proposed project would not result in a population increase and does not entail the construction of structures requiring additional police protection. However, a short-term effect relating to response time may occur if traffic flow along the road is restricted during bridge and roadway improvements. Adherence to police protection and emergency access requirements will reduce potential impacts related to this issue to a less than significant level. c)Schools? No Impact. The proposed project would not result in a population increase, nor would it adversely affect any existing schools. No impact would occur. d) Parks? No Impact. The proposed project would not result in a population increase, nor would it adversely affect any existing parks. No impact would occur. e) Other public facilities? No Impact. Because the project would not result in a population increase, no impact to other public facilities would occur. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study c January 2006 Page 43 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Less Than Significant Potentially, 'With. ,- Less Than Significant .` Mitigation "Significant No Impact' Incorpbrated , Impact Impact XIV. RECREATION. a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial ❑ ❑ ❑ physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b) Does the project include recreational facilities, or require the construction or expansion of ❑ ❑ ❑ recreational facilities, which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? a) Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? No Impact. The proposed project would not result in a population increase, nor would it adversely affect any existing parks or recreational facilities. No impact would occur. B) INCLUDE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES OR REQUIRE THE CONSTRUCTION OR EXPANSION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WHICH MIGHT HAVE AN ADVERSE PHYSICAL EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT? No Impact. The project does not entail the construction or expansion of recreational facilities; therefore, no impact related to this issue will occur. Vi Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project Initial Study January 2006 ' Page 44 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Less Than Significant Potentially With, Less Than „ "Significant ', `Mitigation' Significant No Impaci,; Incorporated . Impact Impact. XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC. Would the project: a) Cause an increase in traffic that is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial ❑ ❑ ® El in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume-to-capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)? b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the El El Elcounty congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in ❑ ❑ ❑ N location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous El El intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? ❑ ❑ N ❑ f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? ❑ ❑ ❑ N g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus ❑ ❑ ❑ N turnouts, bicycle racks)? a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips,the volume to capacity ratio on roads,or congestion at intersections)? Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project would widen and improve an existing bridge and road, with the goal of accommodating existing and predicted future traffic. The project would not generate additional vehicle trips beyond those anticipated in the City's General Plan. B) EXCEED, EITHER INDIVIDUALLY OR CUMULATIVELY, A LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARD ESTABLISHED BY THE COUNTY CONGESTION MANAGEMENT AGENCY FOR DESIGNATED ROADS OR HIGHWAYS? No Impact. The proposed project is intended to increase the capacity of the roadway by widening and improving it and its associated bridge. This would have a beneficial effect on the level of service along the road and would not exceed a level of service standard established by the County congestion management agency for designated roads or highways. The proposed widening of Gene Autry Trail and its associated bridge is included in the City's General Plan. Rather than contributing to traffic-related impacts, the proposed project will facilitate development envisioned in the General Plan. No impact related to this issue will occur. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study .-z January 2006 Page 45 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION C) RESULT IN A CHANGE IN AIR TRAFFIC PATTERNS, INCLUDING EITHER AN INCREASE IN TRAFFIC LEVELS OR A CHANGE IN LOCATION THAT RESULTS IN SUBSTANTIAL SAFETY RISKS? No Impact. The proposed project does not entail any changes in air traffic patterns. No impact related to this issue will occur. D) SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE HAZARDS DUE TO A DESIGN FEATURE(E.G.,SHARP CURVES OR DANGEROUS INTERSECTIONS) OR INCOMPATIBLE USES(E.G.,FARM EQUIPMENT)? No Impact. The proposed project entails the widening and improvement of an existing bridge and road. No new design features that would increase hazards or incompatible uses would be introduced as a result of the project;therefore, no impact related to this issue will occur. E)RESULT IN INADEQUATE EMERGENCY ACCESS? Less than Significant Impact. The project would widen and improve Gene Autry Trail and its associated bridge, a major thoroughfare,which would result in an increased level of service and improved traffic flow. This would improve emergency access. Short-term construction activities may limit or otherwise alter access along Gene Autry Trail. Adherence to City emergency access/access control requirements during the period of construction will reduce potential impacts related to this issue to a less than significant level. F) RESULT IN INADEQUATE PARKING CAPACITY? No Impact. The project would not add or remove on-street parking. The proposed project does not entail the construction of facilities which would increase parking demand. Thus, no impacts relating to parking capacity are anticipated. G) CONFLICT WITH ADOPTED POLICIES, PLANS, OR PROGRAMS SUPPORTING ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION (E.G., BUS TURNOUTS,BICYCLE RACKS)? No Impact. The proposed project will be constructed in conformance with all adopted policies, plans, and programs supporting alternative transportation. Adherence to these policies and programs will ensure that no impact related to this issue will occur. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study '4 January2006 �Y Page 46 of 51 G 1 1 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Significant Potentially With Less Than, Significant Mitigation Significant No . . Impact "Incorporated Impact Impact XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the El ❑ ❑ applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of El El ❑ existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing El El Elfacilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and El El ® ❑ resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider that serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the ❑ ❑ ❑ project's projected demand, in addition to the provider's existing commitments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project's solid ❑ ❑ ® ❑ waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state and local statutes and El El ® El related to solid waste? a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? No Impact. The proposed project does not include the construction or operation of any use that would directly generate wastewater. Thus, no impacts relating to wastewater treatment are anticipated. B) REQUIRE OR RESULT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW WATER OR WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES OR EXPANSION OF EXISTING FACILITIES,THE CONSTRUCTION OF WHICH COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS? No Impact. Because the proposed project will not generate additional wastewater flows, no increase in the amount of wastewater processed at treatment facilities will occur.The expansion of existing and/or construction of new facilities is not necessary. No impact related to this issue will occur. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project Initial Study January 2006 Page 47 of 51 1�1 C-,t" GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION CJ REQUIRE OR RESULT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW STORMWATER DRAINAGE FACILITIES OR EXPANSION OF EXISTING FACILITIES,THE CONSTRUCTION OF WHICH COULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS? No Impact. Please refer to Responses 8(d-e). The proposed project entails the widening of an existing roadway, and would not substantially increase the amount of surface water flows. The project does not require the expansion of a storm drainage system. D) HAVE SUFFICIENT WATER SUPPLIES AVAILABLE TO SERVE THE PROJECT FROM EXISTING ENTITLEMENTS AND RESOURCES, OR ARE NEW OR EXPANDED ENTITLEMENTS NEEDED? Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project entails the widening of an existing roadway and does not include the construction or occupation of any use that requiring a long-term water supply. While water will be required during construction activities, the limited extent of the project site and the limited duration of construction will not result in a significant amount of water usage. Impacts related to this issue are, therefore, less than significant. E) RESULT IN A DETERMINATION BY THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROVIDER WHICH SERVES OR MAY SERVE THE PROJECT THAT IT HAS ADEQUATE CAPACITY TO SERVE THE PROJECTS PROJECTED DEMAND IN ADDITION TO THE PROVIDERS EXISTING COMMITMENTS? No Impact. Please refer to Responses 16(a-b). F) BE SERVED BY A LANDFILL WITH SUFFICIENT PERMITTED CAPACITY TO ACCOMMODATE THE PROJECTS SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL NEEDS? Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project would not create a new permanent source of solid waste. Any solid waste generated during construction of the project would be disposed of in a manner compliant with all Federal, State, and local statutes and regulations relating to solid waste. Adherence to these regulations will reduce potential impacts related to this issue to a less than significant level. G)COMPLY WITH FEDERAL,STATE,AND LOCAL STATUTES AND REGULATIONS RELATED TO SOLID WASTE? Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project would not create a new permanent source of solid waste generation. Any solid waste generated during construction of the project would be disposed of in a manner compliant with all Federal, State, and local regulations. Adherence to these regulations will reduce potential impacts related to this issue to a less than significant level. �...,, Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study January 2006 Page 48 of 51 L)r') I� GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Less Than :. Significant , ,Potenfially With Less Than - .,Significant' ;Mitigation Significant No . . ;Impact' IlicorporMed. Impact Impact. XVIL MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wild-life population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a ❑ ® ❑ ❑ plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of rare or endangered plants or animals, or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? "Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with El El 9 El the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects. c) Does the project have environmental effects that will cause substantial adverse effects on human ❑ ❑ ® ❑ beings, either directly or indirectly? A) DOES THE PROJECT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO DEGRADE THE QUALITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT, SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE THE HABITAT OF A FISH OR WILDLIFE SPECIES,CAUSE A FISH OR WILDLIFE POPULATION TO DROP BELOW SELF-SUSTAINING LEVELS, THREATEN TO ELIMINATE A PLANT OR ANIMAL COMMUNITY, REDUCE THE NUMBER OR RESTRICT THE RANGE OF A RARE OR ENDANGERED PLANT OR ANIMAL OR ELIMINATE IMPORTANT EXAMPLES OF THE MAJOR PERIODS OF CALIFORNIA HISTORY OR PREHISTORY? Less than Significant With Mitigation incorporated. While the proposed project will have 5.0 acres of direct impacts and 19.0 acres of indirect impact within the area covered by the Draft Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, mitigation has been identified that reduces the impacts to biological resources to a less than significant level. No significant cultural, historic, or paleontological resource has been identified within the project limits. Adherence to standard City and State measures related to the discovery, recovery and/or recordation of cultural resources and/or human remains during construction activities will ensure no significant impact to cultural resources will result from implementation of the proposed project. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study January 2006 _o�„ Page 49 of 51 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY I MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION B) DOES THE PROJECT HAVE IMPACTS THAT ARE INDIVIDUALLY LIMITED, BUT CUMULATIVELY CONSIDERABLE? ("CUMULATIVELY CONSIDERABLE" MEANS THAT THE INCREMENTAL EFFECTS OF A PROJECT ARE CONSIDERABLE WHEN VIEWED IN CONNECTION WITH THE EFFECTS OF PAST PROJECTS, THE EFFECTS OF OTHER CURRENT PROJECTS, AND THE EFFECTS OF PROBABLE FUTURE PROJECTS.) Less than Significant Impact. The proposed project will result in the improvement of Gene Autry Trail and its associated railroad bridge as envisioned in the City's General Plan. Potential cumulative impacts associated with the widening of this roadway have been previously identified and mitigated. The proposed project is in conformance with the roadway improvements envisioned in the City's General Plan; therefore, no significant cumulative impact associated with this issue will occur. c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? Less than Significant Impact. As stated in previous responses, the proposed Gene Autry Trail railroad bridge widening project will not result in any significant impact (either direct, indirect, or cumulative). The proposed project will fulfill the goals and objectives set forth in the City in its General Plan and will facilitate the safe and timely passage of persons and goods to and through the City. No adverse effects on human populations will occur. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project;Initial Study January 2005 Page 50 of 51 I,_ )n�79 GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING INITIAL STUDY f MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION REFERENCES Air Quality Analysis, Gene Autry Trail Railroad Bridge Widening Project, LSA Associates, Inc., September 2005. Appended Programmatic Biological Opinion for Five Interchange Improvements on Interstate 10 and Associated Arterial Improvements for the Tiered Date Palm Drive Interchange Project, the Date Palm Drive Arterial Streets Project, and the Palm Drive/Gene Autry Trail Arterial Streets Project in Eastern Riverside County, California (1-6-05-P-3282, EA08-455900, 455800), USFWS, November 7, 2005. Archaeological Survey Report for the Gene Autry Trail Railroad Bridge Widening Project, LSA Associates, Inc., August 2005. City of Palm Springs, General Plan, 1991. Coachella Valley Conservation Plan Addressing the Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects of Interstate 10 Coachella Valley Interchange Projects, California Department of Transportation, August 2003. Draft Environmental Impact Report, Palm Springs General Plan Update, Smith Peron! & Fox, December 1992. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Project NES, LSA Associates, Inc., July 2005. Hazardous Waste Initial Site Assessment, Gene Autry Trail Railroad Bridge Widening Project, LSA Associates, Inc., Revised August 2005. Programmatic Biological Opinion for Five Interchanges and Associated Arterial Improvement Projects along Interstate 10 and the Tiered Biological Opinion for the Palm Drive/Gene Autry Trial -Interstate 10 Interchange Improvement Project in Eastern Riverside County, California (1-6-04-F- 3282.4;EA: 08-455800), USFWS,September 11, 2004. Gene Autry Trail Bridge Widening Project,Initial Study �r January 2006 Page 51 of 51 RESPONSE TO COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE GENE AUTRY TRAIL BRIDGE WIDENING PROJECT 1. Coachella Valley Water District (CVDW) Letter, dated April 11, 2006. Comment: CVWD responded to the Initial Study although they had no comments. Response: No response is required. 2. Public Utilities Commission (Commission) Letter, dated April 13, 2006. Comment: The Commission has jurisdiction over the safety of highway-rail crossings in California. The Commission requested the City to meet with the Commission's staff to discuss safety issues and conduct a diagnostic review of the proposed crossing improvements. Response: The City will meet with the Commission's staff, and looks forward to any design improvements that the Commission's staff may offer. No further response is required because the letter did not comment on the CEQA document. 3. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Letter, dated April 17, 2006. Comment: SCAG responded to the Initial Study although they had no comments. Response: No response is required. 4. Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Letter, dated April 17, 2006. Comment: The District commented that the project area had not been studied or mapped by FEMA for a 100-year floodplain; FEMA had studied and mapped an area north of the project area that included a 100-year floodplain. The District stated that an impacted floodplain would likely need to be studied and mapped. Response: Attached is a portion of the FEMA floodplain mapping that includes most of the project area and shows the project area as Zone C. Zone C is not part of a 100- year floodplain. The unmapped area of the project area is north of the railroad to the Salvia Road/Micro Race intersection. Because of matching the existing grade of Gene Autry Trail for the widening, this area will be on elevated fill that is above the elevation of Interstate 10. Therefore, this additional roadway width will not impede or redirect any flood flows that might occur in the area. The project will have no impact. f2ESOLUTION NO. Page 14 APPROXIMATES CALE 5 OW Q WO FEET 30 P� 0 \w\lyf ONES .A� L }nlela ``. � /I�III�IIIIIIIIIIIIIRIIIII�IIIIIuI ZONE A4 WXRRUVuI XAEIRXAL RORR IXSMRAXCE XAORRAM IW/%/LWAiLR RlVLR WWWWIIUI ZONE C FIRM A( s' �, "*,-, 11000 INSURANCE RATE MAP . Za 4 , RIVERSIDE COUNTY, 36 ", Eti. 31 CALIFORNIA TININOOriPORATIDD AILF.A PANEL 1560 OF 3600 .,.>. ZONED COMMUNITY-PANEL NUMBER A. 060245 1560 B ZONE A4 �;, {§ 9 $,9 gq, MARCH REVISED:, Federal EmergenryAlanogemenl AAmcy ePoNon of lno aGva relereneetl AvM mop I! map Cma net mlal vnenpea ��amo��m�.:ni sm vx:w bey mloxe�mcc�ommmo am�omno �a�c F .t lororm.ua�veex rvem�aeaoa lm���a e.aeM1eeX IIM1e FEMA FIoeE Map Sbm etwmvmec Tema Ovv RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AND ORDERING THE FILING OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND APPROVING CASE NO. 5.0929-B, AN APPLICATION BY THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO GENE AUTRY TRAIL BETWEEN SALVIA ROAD/MICRO PLACE AND THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD, INCLUDING WIDENING THE EXISTING TWO- LANE BRIDGE TO A SIX-LANE BRIDGE, AND WIDENING GENE AUTRY TRAIL TO SIX-LANES FROM SALVIA ROAD/MICRO PLACE TO THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD, SECTIONS 30 AND 31, TOWNSHIP 3 SOUTH, RANGE 5 EAST. WHEREAS, the City of Palm Springs, in conjunction with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), Caltrans, and the Federal Highway Administration, has filed an application for improvements to Gene Autry Trail, from Salvia Road/Micro Place to the Union Pacific Railroad, to include widening the existing two-lane bridge to a six-lane bridge, and widening Gene Autry Trail to six lanes from Salvia Road/Micro Place to the Union Pacific Railroad ('Project'); and WHEREAS, the Project is included in the 2004 Regional Transportation Improvement Program adopted by the Southern California Association of Governments; and WHEREAS, the Project is also included in the 2004 Regional Transportation Plan approved by the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration; and WHEREAS, the Project implements the goals and policies of the General Plan; and WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing of the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Springs to consider the Project, identified as Case No. 5.0929-B, and to review and provide comment on the draft Mitigated Negative Declaration and Project was given in accordance with applicable law; and WHEREAS, on April 26, 2006, a public hearing to consider the Project was held by the Planning Commission in accordance with applicable law; and WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 15063 of the California Environmental Quality Act, an Initial Study was prepared and staff found that with the incorporation of mitigation measures, the Project could not have a significant effect on the environment; and Resolution No. Page 2 WHEREAS, the City Council has carefully reviewed and considered all of the evidence presented in connection with the hearing on the project, including, but not limited to, the staff report, and all written and oral testimony presented. THE CITY COUNCIL DOES HEREBY FIND AS FOLLOWS: Section 1: Pursuant to Section 15063 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, a Mitigated Negative Declaration of environmental impact was prepared and circulated for a 30-day public review period ending on April 24, 2006, The Mitigated Negative Declaration adequately analyzes the general environmental setting of the proposed project, its potentially significant environmental impacts, and the alternatives and mitigation measures related to each potentially significant environmental impact for the proposed project; and has determined that there are no potentially significant impacts associated with the project. Section 2: The proposed project implements the following goals and policies of the General Plan: Policy 7.1.3 (h) Major Thoroughfares: High capacity streets, of four or more lanes, which form the basic elements of the City's circulation system, connecting Palm Springs to regional highways and tying together the sections of the City. They have a limited number of cross streets and provide stacking and turning lanes and may have a landscaped median, especially where it helps to maintain an appropriate level of service. Policy 7.1.14: Encourage the use of Interstate 10 for inter-city traffic trips by improving access to this route and by providing appropriate signage. As stated in the project's Statement of Purpose of Need, this project would accomplish the following purpose: h Accommodate existing and future traffic; Alleviate queues; a Accommodate truck traffic; • Increase public safety The proposed project would improve access to Interstate 10 from Gene Autry Trail by widening the existing two-lane bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad to a six-lane bridge, including associated widening of Gene Autry Trail to six-lanes between Salvia Road/Micro Place and the Union Pacific Railroad. Therefore, the project is consistent with the General Plan policies and objectives. Policy 7.2.5: Make selective street improvements at problem intersections and bottleneck locations to improve specific traffic operations and safety, with all such improvements to be considered selectively on the basis of specific studies of the Resolution No. Page 3 affected intersection and streets, and the impacts on the surrounding area and on pedestrian activity. The project is being undertaken because the segment of Gene Autry Trail between Salvia Road/Micro Place and the existing Gene Autry Trail Union Pacific Railroad bridge cannot safely accommodate existing or forecasted traffic volumes. Furthermore, due to the previously approved widening of Gene Autry Trail south of the Union Pacific Railroad bridge, and the planned Gene Autry Trail/Interstate 10 Interchange project, the subject segment of Gene Autry Trail would cause a bottleneck to traffic, severely affecting traffic flow into and out of the City from Interstate 10. Therefore, the proposed improvements will specifically address Policy 7.2.5 and be consistent with the General Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that based upon the foregoing, the City Council adopts and orders the filing of a Mitigated Negative Declaration and approves Case No. 5.0929-B, the widening of Gene Autry Trail between Salvia Road/Micro Place and the Union Pacific Railroad, including widening the existing two-lane bridge to a six- lane bridge, and widening Gene Autry Trail to six-lanes from Salvia Road/Micro Place to the Union Pacific Railroad. ADOPTED this 17th day of May, 2006. David H. Ready, City Manager ATTEST: James Thompson, City Clerk CERTIFICATION STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS ) I, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that Resolution No. is a full, true and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs on May 17, 2006, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: James Thompson, City Clerk City of Palm Springs, California � 7'J'71'',rr PROOF OF PUBLiICATION This is space for County Clerk's Filing Stump (2015.5.C.C.P) 20061-111Y 10 P.1'i 3. 38 i1'1: 1La I I. ui' ".1 , CITV FG 1h76 ---- - - NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF PALM SPRINGS STATE OF CALIFORNIA Case No.5,0929.13 County of Riverside Union PaclflcaRaltroad tlptlge widening Appllcant=City of Palm Springs NOTICE IS HERESY GIVEN ih,ii the City Council of The City of Palm Spring.. California wdl hold a ?ubhc hoanng at its meeting of Ma yy 17, 2000. The CIry Council meeting begins nt G:00 P.M. In the ?.until Chamber at City Hall 3200 el:'L Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Spring,•, I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of PROJECT goeeeRthe(widening of is:Ono Autry the County aforesaid;1 am over the age of eighteen ahta�ll' r�omT1two (2) to six (5 landtretween•Salvia Road iero Place�."."lliig U"'n-Pa- -- clflc Railroad (UPRR) brldgge,- ,Inutionnrj To four years,and not a party to or intercbted in the (A) lanes Immedialcly south of the UPRR bildge. above-entitled matter.I am the principal clerk of a printer of the,DESERT SUN PUBLISHING ,,,-, °"'"" v�=fP 1...",.°'""1" -, COMPANY a newspaper of general Circulation, printed and published in the city of Palm Springs, ' •--tip. County of Riverside,and which newspaper has been ' adjudged a newspaper of general circulation by the - Superior Court of the County of Riverside,State of California under the date of March 24,1988.Case Number 191236;that the notice,of which the annexed is a printed copy(set In type not smaller ' than non parcel,has been published in each regular and entire issue of said newspaper and not in any supplement thereof on the following dates,to wit: cur of May 601,2006 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The Clry has roviewod and considered The propasi,d pro- lect and has determined Ih'it tho project may have potppliolly agnificant effects, bui mligatl.n measure-shall be reqquired Thai will ieciuce all pc- ____ ........ temlelly significant el ecis on tv, environment to fu f n IOss than significant level.The CITy hereby pri- All in the year 2006 Fares and proposes To adopt a Mill gated Neea- tive Declaration for this project. Members of the public may view this doeumeni at the Plrmnm9 certify(or declare)under penalty of perjury that the qultzi can❑yona Way, Palm Hall 3200d submli foregoing IS true and correct. written cpmmonts at, or prior to,the City Council hearing. Dated at Palm Springs,California this---8'",---day R IEW OF PROJECT I gO mA eOcraga,Jinp - Thu matter are avallaib,a for pi,blle eoview at CN Hall between the hours or-si dnd 5'00 ' ,--_-- ,200G p in, Montlay IhroiJgh Fnd,iyy. Fosse contact the Of-'-""""May'- ---_4TC �" Office oI the Clty Clerk at 1760) S23-8204 tl v.0 whinwould oc m schedule sn appanlmrnl In ro�icw documents to G$ COMMENT ON THIS APPL[CATION- Rr_:ponsa 7, -_--� TO INS n0tito may be made verbally at the public _ 7-_--�`�- hearing and/or in writing before The hearing Wnl- ------' Ten commenTs may be IT, in Ihi• City Council Sigpature by letter(mail Or hand ddivory) to James'rhompeon Clly Clerk 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Spiings, CA 92252 1 ® Any chiillengP of the proposed project in court ` 1r 6 may bo limited to raising only those issues raised at the public hearing desertbed In this: notice or In written OOrresporidencu doirvorod to the City Clerk at, or prior, to the ?ubhc heailny. (G.verri- mem Code section 6300�[b][$]), An opportunity will be given i t Bald hearing foi'all imerested persons to be heard,?w:di.n.,rogard- ing thi- Ca`r may be directed to Marcus Fuller Engineering Department, (760) 323-a253, eXt aids. SI neceslia ayude con eats cana,p.ffavor II Ime a Is Clutlatl de Pelrn 5pnnq y puodo habiar con Follpe Primers: (760) 322-BP53 ext. B7d2, ames� nom�uty�Icrli PUOlr:nod: 5/G/200G NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF PALM SPRINGS Case No. 5.0929-B Gene Autry Trail Union Pacific Railroad Bridge Widening Applicant: City of Palm Springs NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, will hold a public hearing at its meeting of May 17, 2006. The City Council meeting begins at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The City of Palm Springs proposes the widening of Gene Autry Trail from two (2) to six (6) lanes between Salvia Road/Micro Place across the existing Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) bridge, transitioning to four (4) lanes immediately south of the UPRR bridge. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The City has reviewed and considered the proposed project and has determined that the project may have potentially significant effects, but mitigation measures shall be required that will reduce all potentially significant effects on the environment to a less than significant level. The City hereby prepares and proposes to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration for this project. Members of the public may view this document at the Planning Services Department, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, and submit written comments at, or prior to, the City Council hearing. REVIEW OF PROJECT INFORMATION: The staff report and other supporting documents regarding this matter are available for public review at City Hall between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please contact the Office of the City Clerk at (760) 323-8204 if you would like to schedule an appointment to review these documents. COMMENT ON THIS APPLICATION: Response to this notice may be made verbally at the public hearing and/or in writing before the hearing. Written comments may be made to the City Council by letter(mail or hand delivery) to: James Thompson, City Clerk 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 Any challenge of the proposed project in court may be limited to raising only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Clerk at, or prior, to the public hearing. (Government Code Section 65009[b][2]). An opportunity will be given at said hearing for all interested persons to be heard. Questions regarding this case may be directed to Marcus Fuller, Engineering Department, (760) 323-8253, ext. 8744. Si necesita ayuda con esta carta, porfavor flame a la Ciudad de Palm Springs y puede hablar con Felipe Primera: (760) 323-8253, ext. 8742. .7es Thompson, City Clerk N Department of Planning Services W+E p Vicinity Map S a`r � Lyp v l H 4 w z w Legend ® Site E=400' Radius CITY OF PALM SPRINGS ?ALMS City of Palm Springs ° u rn Office of the City Clerk * aC , "'� * 3200 E.Tah uirz Canyon WayPalm Springs, California 92262 C �RPoanrR V. Tel: (760) 3_3-8204 • Fax: 760 3_7• ,gQ�FORN� 7 � ( ) 7_ 8332 • Web: www.n.patm-springs ca.us AFFIDAVIT OF MAILING NOTICES I, the undersigned City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, California, do hereby certify that a copy of the Notice of Public Hearing, to consider the widening of Gene Autry Trail from two (2) to six (6) lanes between Salvia Road/Micro Place across the existing Union Pacific Railroad bidge, transitioning to four (4) lanes immediately south of the UPRR bridge, was mailed to each and every person set forth on the attached list on the 4th day of Mao, 2006, in a sealed envelope, with postage prepaid, and depositing same in the U.S. Mail at Palm Springs, California. (28 notices mailed) I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Dated at Palm Springs, California, this 4th day of May, 2006. A �-°°J MES THOMPSON ` City Clerk /kdh H:\USERS\C-CLK\Hearing Notices\Affidavit-UPRR 051706.doc Post Office Box 2743 0 Palm Springs, California 92263-2743 i 660-290.023 660.290-015 660.190-019 GROUP REAL ESTATE CO SOUTHERN PACIFIC PALM DRIVE ASSOC 9420 WILSHIRE BLVD TRANSPORTATION CO 96 N 3RD ST 275 BEVERLY HALLS, CA 90212 1700 FARNAM ST 10TH OMAHA, NE 68102 SAN DOSE, CA 95112 660-190.014 660-290-013 660-190-020 USA 660 BRINKIS NIDA 2005 TRUST PALM DRIVE ASSOC 1695 SPRUCE ST 2347 HILLHURST AVE 96 N 3RD ST 275 RIVERSIDE, CA 92507 LOS ANGELES, CA 90027 SAN JOSE, CA 95112 SOUTHERN 660-190.017 660-190-018 SOUTHERN PACIFIC PALM DRIVE ASSOC PALM DRIVE ASSOC TRANSPORTATION CO 96 N 3RD ST 275 96 N 3RD ST 275 OMAHAA,, N NE 68102 MA M ST SAN JOSE, CA 95112 SAN JOSE, CA 95112 OE 660-190-023 660-290-021 660-190-015 SOUTHERN PACIFIC TRANSPORTATION CO CURCI MELVIN L PER PAP PARTNERSHIP 1700 FARNAM ST 10TH 78203 SOMBRERO CT 96 N 3RD ST 275 OMAHA, NE 63102 BERMUDA DUNES, CA 92203 SAN JOSE, CA 95112 vo (f� NEIGHBORHOOD COALITION REPS MS APRIL HILDNER MR TIM HOHMEIER (TAHQUITZ RIVERS ESTATES) (DEEPWELL ESTATES) 241 EAST MESQUITE AVENUE 1387 CALLE DE MARIA PALM SPRINGS CA 92264 PALM SPRINGS CA 92264 MS SHERYL HAMLIN MR JOHN HANSEN MS ROXANN FLOSS (HISTORIC TENNIS CLUB AREA) (WARM SANDS NEIGHBORHOOD) (BEL DESIERTO NEIGHBORHOOD ) 565 WEST SANTA ROSA DRIVE PO BOX 252 930 CHIA ROAD PALM SPRINGS CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS CA 92263 PALM SPRINGS CA 92262 MS MALLIKA ALBERT MS DIANE AHLSTROM MR KENT CHAMBERLIN (CHINO CANYON ORGANIZATION) (MOVIE COLONY NEIGHBORHOOD) (TENNIS CLUB AREA) 2241 NORTH LEONARD ROAD 475 VALMONTE SUR 373 MONTE VISTA PALM SPRINGS CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS CA 92262 MR BOB MAHLOWITZ MS PAULA AUBURN MR BOB DICKINSON (SUNMOR NEIGHBORHOOD GROUP) (SUNRISENISTA CHINO AREA) VISTA LAS PALMAS HOMEOWNERS 246 NORTH BYBIL ROAD 1369 CAMPEON CIRCLE 755 WEST CRESCENT DRIVE PALM SPRINGS CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS CA 92262 MR BILL SCOTT MR. SEIMA MOLOI (OLD LAS PALMAS NEGIBORHOOD) (DESERT HIGHLAND GATEWAY) 540 VIA LOLA 359 W. SUNVIEW AVENUE PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262-1459 MR PETE MORUZZI MODCOM AND PALM SPRINGS MODERN COMMITTEE HISTORIC SITE REP- PO BOX 4738 PALM SPRINGS CA 92263-4738 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CASE NO. 5.0929-13 ENGINEERING DEPT MRS CARRIE ROVNEY ATTN SECRETARY VERIFICATION NOTICE-0- PO BOX 2743 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92263-2743 MS MARGARET PARK AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS INDIANS -o- 650 E TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY PALM SPRINGS CA 92262 SPONSORS r� a NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF PALM SPRINGS Case No. 5.0929-B Gene Autry Trail Union Pacific Railroad Bridge Widening Applicant: City of Palm Springs NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, will hold a public hearing at its meeting of May 17, 2006. The City Council meeting begins at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The City of Palm Springs proposes the widening of Gene Autry Trail from two (2) to six (6) lanes between Salvia Road/Micro Place across the existing Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) bridge, transitioning to four (4) lanes immediately south of the UPRR bridge. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The City has reviewed and considered the proposed project and has determined that the project. may have potentially significant effects, but mitigation measures shall be required that will reduce all potentially significant effects on the environment to a less than significant level. The City hereby prepares and proposes to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration for this project. Members of the public may view this document at the Planning Services Department, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, and submit written comments at, or prior to, the City Council hearing. REVIEW OF PROJECT INFORMATION: The staff report and other supporting documents regarding this matter are available for public review at City Hall between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please contact the Office of the City Clerk at (760) 323-8204 if you would like to schedule an appointment to review these documents. COMMENT ON THIS APPLICATION: Response to this notice may be made verbally at the public hearing and/or in writing before the hearing. Written comments may be made to the City Council by letter (mail or hand delivery) to: James Thompson, City Clerk 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 Any challenge of the proposed project in court may be limited to raising only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Clerk at, or prior, to the public hearing. (Government Code Section 65009[b][2]). An opportunity will be given at said hearing for all interested persons to be heard. Questions regarding this case may be directed to Marcus Fuller, Engineering Department, (760) 323-8253, ext. 8744. Si necesita ayuda con esta carta, porfavor Ilame a la Ciudad de Palm Springs y puede hablar con Felipe Primera: (760) 323-8253, ext. 8742. c ,Aa es Thompson, City Clerk N Department of (Planning Services W�E x Vicinity Map s ro QP 0 73 4 Z Legend ® Site I�400'Radius CITY OF PALM SPRINGS