Project Level Conformity Determination for the South Fresno State Route 99 Corridor Project (South Fresno 99 Project) (CTIPS ID 203-00000752), located in Fresno, California

The Caltrans analysis of any pollution impacts of the American Avenue Interchange assumes a rosy view of improved traffic flow for the Juvenile Justice Facility (located on American Avenue), residential and agricultural usage. It is a static analysis. It denies any increase in diesel truck traffic in the project area. This analysis ignores the co-existence of the Fresno County's General Plan study area for a large new industrial development bordered by American Avenue and its SE corner at the interchange. This interchange will perfectly facilitate the transportation needs of that industrial development area and yield significant increases in pollution producing truck traffic along American Avenue. There are numerous statements in Caltrans Air Quality Conformity Analysis that explain away the need for further hotspot analysis of the project's PM 2.5 non-attainment and PM 10 maintenance status by claiming the project area will not have a significant number or a significant increase in diesel vehicles. Given the County planning documents, that is not going to be the case. This project will certainly exacerbate the already significant air pollution burden on the residents and facilities in that area. This project will contribute to new localized PM2.5 violations and the severity of existing PM10 and 2.5 violations. This project should not move forward.