Watch CBS News

Judge Rules Caltrans Lied To Support Highway 1 Expansion

KCBS_740SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- A federal judge has rejected state environmental approval of a plan to expand Highway 1 in Pacifica.

U.S. District Court Judge Vince Chhabria said Friday state transportation officials gave a federal wildlife agency incorrect information when seeking the agency's approval for the work.

The California Department of Transportation proposed preserving 5 acres to offset damage the highway expansion would cause to the habitat of two endangered species _ the California red-legged frog and the San Francisco garter snake.

But Chhabria said that land was already slated for preservation and was therefore not a benefit that could be tied directly to the highway expansion. He ordered Caltrans to again seek the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's approval.

A Caltrans spokesperson said the agency is continuing to review the court's ruling, and will be working with its project partners to discuss options, and determine their next steps.

© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.