Another important element of the Connector project is the environmental review. This process is underway now, with experts conducting studies to determine the relationship of the Connector to various aspects of the environment. Another important element of the project development process, which you may not be familiar with, is mitigation funding.

The overall Connector project has $15 million set aside exclusively for environmental mitigation. There are a variety of ways those funds could be used, including for habitat preservation, open space acquisition, smart growth development and other corridor-related items. We won’t know how to best use the funds until after the specifics of the Project are better understood and public input is provided as the environmental documents are developed.

Within the Measure A sales tax program, which is the current primary funding source for the Connector, there are three distinct programs that will each allocate $5 million to the planning, development and acquisition of the Cosumnes River Open Space Preserve. The specific location for this open space has yet to be developed but one option is to partner with or become part of a current regional effort for a comprehensive conservation strategy, known as the South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan (SSHCP).

Multiple local jurisdictions, including three of the five Connector member jurisdictions, are working together on the SSHCP to determine the best way to manage and plan for future growth while preserving the nature and character of the area. We are very interested in being involved with the SSHCP, as it brings many benefits. We believe that its comprehensive strategy is a perfect fit for us, but more work must be done before a final decision is made on the Connector’s participation.

Since one of the two primary goals of the Connector project is preservation of open space it is clear that a significant effort, one incorporating input from environmental groups, regulatory agencies and the member jurisdictions, will be forthcoming to determine the best mitigation strategy for the project. The $15 million that is set aside will provide a good start for any strategy that is eventually developed and applied. As the project develops, additional funding may be available from outside sources to participate in efforts such as the SSHCP or other forthcoming open space programs.

It remains to be seen how much development will take place around the Connector and we, the project, don’t have a say in what individual jurisdictions decide to do. The environmental studies currently underway will list environmental resources that are required to be preserved and unique area habitat that we would want to preserve for its natural character and contributions to the area ecosystem. More information about mitigation will be available as we move through the environmental review process.