State Route To Yosemite Restored

Sacramento, CA – Governor Jerry Brown recently signed bill AB 1973 that will restore full access to Highway 140 in Mariposa County through the “Ferguson Slide” that leads to Yosemite National Park.

Assemblymember Kristin Olsen says “Reconstruction of SR 140is essential to the health and stability of Mariposa County’s economy.” She adds “I’m pleased that the Governor recognized the importance of allowing this commonsense fix for Mariposa County.”

Caltrans completed a draft Environmental Impact Report showing all reconstruction alternatives will affect one fully protected species. It is the limestone salamander.

Olsen’s Office says to begin reconstruction Caltrans needs an “incidental take” permit. They say the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is prohibited from granting an incidental take permit for a fully protected species. Olsen’s office says AB 1973 will authorize DFG to give a permit for the limestone salamander, contingent upon appropriate mitigations.

Mariposa County Supervisor Kevin Cann says “Passage of AB 1973 into law is essential to ensuring safety on the roadway, and to the economy of the entire Yosemite region.”

Click here for a map of the area.