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Despite Rejection, Push Continues For State Park Toll Road Project

The agency that wants to build a toll road through San Onofre State Park isn't giving up on the project even though the state Coastal Commission rejected the plan last week. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has

The agency that wants to build a toll road through San Onofre State Park isn't giving up on the project even though the state Coastal Commission rejected the plan last week. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The Transportation Corridor Agency of Orange County says without the road highways, South Orange County will approach gridlock. They've appealed the coastal commission's decision to the U.S. Department of Commerce. But that could take a year.

The executive director of the State Parks Foundation is Elizabeth Goldstein. She's against the toll road and says the agency should now consider alternatives.

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Goldstein : They're institutionally reluctant I think to look at those alternatives. Like the possibilities of improving the I-5. Then they would be spending their money responsibly. You know it's our view that they're tilting at windmills at this point.

The $875 million Foothill South toll road would cut through the northern half of San Onofre State park, taking about 320 acres of park land. The park is home to several endangered species. It's also the site of a popular campground and the Trestles surf spot.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.