Other Agencies with Actions or Authorizations:

Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service

States

Department of the Army, US Army Corps of Engineers - Regulatory

California

Description:

The proposed project would rehabilitate the existing northbound and southbound lanes of undivided SR 41 in Madera County, from 0.12 mile south of Avenue 15 to the SR 41/145 junction (between post miles 6.1 and 9.2). The project would include raising the roadway profile where flooding occurs, replacing with a new structural section, widening existing shoulders, installing and extending existing culverts, replacing fencing, and surface grind and repair. Swales would be added on both sides of the road. Additional right-of-way would be required. Vernal pool habitat present onsite provide suitable habitat for a variety of threatened and endangered vernal pool species including California tiger salamander, vernal pool fairy shrimp, conservancy fairy shrimp, succulent owl's clover, San Joaquin orcutt grass, hairy orcutt grass, and Greene's tuctoria. All modifications to the shoulders or existing culverts within this area would adversely affect the integrity of these habitats. Section 7 consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would be required as well as with California Department of Fish and Wildlife may be required for a 2081 incidental take permit. No mitigation banks exist in Madera County that are approved by California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the California tiger salamander, therefore, in order to compensate for impacts for the species, Caltrans may need to purchase land. A substantial level of effort and resources would be required with respect to finding suitable land and management in perpetuity.