More than 3,000 people are expected to show up at a hearing in Del Mar today. The Commerce Department will hear what people from San Diego think about building a six-lane toll road through San Onofre State Park. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.
The California Coastal Commission rejected the project six months ago.
That decision was appealed to the Commerce Department by the Transportation Corridor Agencies or TCA, which wants to build the toll road.
Attorney Angela Howe is with the Surfrider Foundation, which opposes the project.
She says no matter what the Commerce Department decides, legal action is likely.
Howe: If the TCA gets their way then our coalition and the coastal commission will be able to sue under the administrative procedure act. If the TCA gets denied they will be able to sue under the administrative procedure act. So either way there's redress in federal court.
Opponents say the road will hurt wildlife, archaeological sites, water quality and beach access.
Those supporting the road say it will reduce congestion on parts of I-5.
The Commerce Department is allowing 10 hours for testimony.
Ed Joyce, KPBS News.