Proposed Jail Environmental Impact Report
A loss of open space and the potential for resulting development of the rural area are unavoidable impacts from a proposed new, 7,200-bed jail in Whitewater. Complete report on The Desert Sun.
A draft environmental impact report, released by Riverside
County officials Wednesday, describes the effects resulting from planning, constructing and operating the proposed jail facility, which would be built with 2,000 beds in an initial phase and could be expanded to 7,200 beds.The report also identifies appropriate, feasible mitigation measures and alternatives that may be adopted to reduce or eliminate impacts.
“It’s a step that must be completed before we can move forward. So at this point, it’s the most important step so far,” said county spokesman Ray Smith.
The report deems numerous potential environmental impacts — including traffic, noise, light pollution — “less than significant.”
“From the looks of it, there’s no silver bullet that would kill this project or any project like this. That’s good news,” Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley said.
But some opposed to the controversial jail location dispute that classification, saying the report downplays many negative impacts on the surrounding community.
“That’s typical Riverside County planning,” said Les Starks, president of the homeowners association in nearby Snow Creek and an opponent of the proposed jail location.
“Nothing will have any effect on anything. This will be fine because this is what they want.”
The public now has until Jan.15 to comment on the report, the normal 45-day comment period being extended due to upcoming holidays.
The jail is proposed for a nearly 200-acre site at the intersection of Rushmore Avenue and Tamarack Road on the north side of Interstate 10.
The Whitewater location preferred by county officials has garnered intense criticism from several Coachella Valley leaders, who argue it would be an eyesore along the highway, create public safety concerns and ultimately deter tourists from coming to the desert. A group of civic leaders has urged the county to look at land just outside Desert Hot Springs.
Report continues on The Desert Sun.
CA Riverside County, Environment and Energy, Jail and Prison Construction
Recent Comments