Caltrans may face fines for Willits project

WILLITS, Calif. (KGO) -- Caltrans may face fines or even be forced to stop work on a controversial project that is out of compliance with environmental regulations.

Caltrans is building a $300 million freeway bypass around Willits in Mendocino County. The freeway goes right through a sensitive wetlands area, so Caltrans is required to do $50 million in environmental improvements to compensate.

However, the US Army Corps of Engineers says Caltrans failed to get a qualified contractor and meet required deadlines for the environmental work. The Corps calls the violations "very serious."

Caltrans sent us this statement in response: "We are committed to the 2,000 acres of mitigation and other efforts to protect and enhance the environment in the Little Lake Valley. We are working closely with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and are taking all requested steps to ensure compliance with our permit."

US Army Corps "Notice of Non-Compliance" to Caltrans document

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