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Hundreds Turn Out For Toll Road Hearing

More than 1,000 people turned out today at a public hearing over a proposed toll road that would cut through San Onofre State Beach. The California Coastal Commission rejected the plan. But the decisi

Hundreds Turn Out For Toll Road Hearing

More than 1,000 people turned out today at a public hearing over a proposed toll road that would cut through San Onofre State Beach. The California Coastal Commission rejected the plan. But the decision was appealed to a federal agency. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details. (Story continues below)

Last February the California Coastal Commission rejected the 16-mile extension of the toll road.

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The Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agencies asked the U.S Commerce Department to overturn that decision.

Opponents say the project would destroy a large area of unspoiled habitat and cause harm to the Trestles surf break.
     
Richard Dixon is president of the Southern California Association of Governments.

He says the toll road is needed to reduce congestion.

Dixon
: It is imperative that the coastal commission's decision be overturned.  Because if it is not it could result  in increased traffic congestion and a loss of transportation funding. Please overturn the coastal commission's decision.

A decision on the appeal is due by January 7 and could come as early as next month.  

The Commerce Secretary has received more than 35,000 written comments on the toll road appeal.

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Ed Joyce, KPBS News.