Caltrans will host a community open house next week to seek public comment about a proposed wildlife overcrossing on State Highway 20 in Colusa County.
The state agency has proposed the construction of the $9 million overcross, about 10 miles west of Williams.
Gov. Gavin Newsom made about $60 million available in the state’s 2021 budget for this and similar projects to connect and expand breeding grounds for wildlife, while also helping to reduce motor vehicle collisions with wild animals.
The Cortina Ridge Wildlife Overcrossing would restore Tule Elk range and habitat connectivity between Cortina Ridge and Bear Valley, Caltrans officials said.
Tule Elk is a subspecies of elk native to California, ranging from the grasslands and marshlands of the Central Valley to the grassy hills on the coast. About 5,700 in 22 herds are estimated to live in the region.
The open house will be held from 6-7:30 PM on Thursday, Aug 18 at Williams City Hall, 810 E Street, Williams.
Community members can view displays and review maps and other materials, including a draft environmental document. Caltrans staff members will be available to answer questions and receive comments from the public.
The Environmental Document, referred to as an Initial Study and Proposed Negative Declaration, is available for review through Sept. 9. The document may be viewed at the Colusa County CAO’s office, 547 Market St., Colusa; Williams City Hall, 810 E Street, Williams; and the Caltrans District 3 office, 703 B St., Marysville.
The environmental document will also be available online at dot.ca.gov.
The public is asked to submit comments or questions about the project via postal mail or email by 5 p.m. Sept. 9. ■