Emergency Road and Bridge Repairs Related to March 2023 Storm Event Damages
Summary
SCH Number
2023050464
Public Agency
Tulare County
Document Title
Emergency Road and Bridge Repairs Related to March 2023 Storm Event Damages
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/18/2023
Document Description
The County of Tulare (County) experienced a series of rainstorms (atmospheric rivers) beginning in January of 2023, causing significant and widespread flooding and damage to critical transportation infrastructure. The Resource Management Agency (RMA) staff has identified over 225 locations, including three bridges, m need of critical emergency repairs as a result of the March 2023 storm events.
Contact Information
Name
Reed Schenke
Agency Name
County of Tulare C/O Resource Management Agency
Job Title
RMA Director
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Fountain springs| Three Rivers| Kernville,| Springville, Porterville, Tulare
Counties
Tulare
Regions
Countywide
Other Location Info
• Mountain Road 109 (M109) over White River Bridge , approximately 8 mile south of Fountain Springs.
• Road 224 over Deer Creek, approximately 1 mile south of Avenue 112.
• Road 248 over Deer Creek, approximately 1 mile south of Avenue 120 near the City of Porterville.
• Pratt St. (Road 96) over Tule River, approximately 2 miles south of Avenue 184 near the City of Tulare.
• M357A Mineral King Road from State Route 198 to Sequoia Gate (mile post .65), northeast of Three Rivers.
• M99 from Tulare County Line to M50 (mile post 20.5), located north of the community of Keroville.
• M208A Wishon Drive from SR 190 to mile post 4.23, located northwest of the community of Springville.
Other Information
Multiple Emergency Road and Bridge locations
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), section 15269
Reasons for Exemption
This activity/project is intended and necessary to protect the health and safety of the public through the construction of replacement bridges and roads (as noted earlier) due to severe damage caused by catastrophic floodwater flows during March 2023. Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), section 15269, sets forth emergency projects that are exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). California Governor Gavin Newson proclaimed a State of Emergency on March 4, March 8, and March 13, 2023 which included Tulare County. President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared an emergency for the State of California on March 10,2023 for the California counties consistent with Governor Newsom's proclamations. Lastly the Tulare County Board of Supervisors (Board) proclaimed a Local Emergency due to Winter Storms and Flooding March 9, 2023. As noted above, the President, Governor, and Board of Supervisors all declared emergencies due to the severe damage caused by
catastrophic flooding. At their meeting of May 16, 2023, the Board approved Resolution No. 2023-0424 The construction of the new replacement bridges and roads fall within the scope of CCR sections 15269 (a) and (c) as they are specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency. As such the activity/project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14 California Code of Regulations, Section 15269 (Emergency). Therefore, The application of CEQA sections 15269(b) and (c) are applicable and appropriate for this project.
County Clerk
Tulare
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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