OCTA program improves freeways while protecting county’s natural habitat
May 24, 2012
ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority recently approved $4.7 million in funds for six restoration projects to help preserve open space lands throughout Orange County.
Funds will restore more than 215 acres in Brea, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Yorba Linda and the county.
Restoration work will include removal of invasive and non-native weeds and plants and the reestablishment of native vegetation that plays an important role in the ecosystem.
“OCTA is always looking for long-term, sustainable solutions to help the environment in Orange County,” said OCTA Chairman Paul Glaab, also the mayor of Laguna Niguel. “Programs like this remind us that while we continually improve our transportation network, we must factor the environment into every step we take.”
These efforts also encourage the return of native wildlife to reoccupy their previous habitats. The work may begin as soon as early 2013 once a restoration plan and grant agreement for each project is completed.
The restoration projects chosen are those determined to have the highest potential to successfully replace resources lost to freeway construction. A call for projects was issued in June 2011 and OCTA received 40 proposals from throughout the county.
The M2 Environmental Freeway Mitigation Program is a comprehensive plan to preserve and restore open space throughout the county. It will provide approximately $300 million over the next 30 years to preserve and restore land throughout Orange County. For more information regarding OCTA’s environmental program, visit www.octa.net/environmental.
