Public Meeting to Comment on Preparation of Environmental Impact Report for Proposed Placerville Courthouse

for release

Contact: Teresa Ruano, 415-865-7447

May 2, 2012

Public Meeting and Invitation to Comment on Environmental Impact Report Being Prepared for Proposed Placerville Courthouse

WHAT: A public meeting hosted by the state of California’s Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to solicit information about the environmental impact report (EIR) being prepared for the proposed new Placerville courthouse. A proposed site located at 300 Forni Road in Placerville is currently under consideration.

This meeting is a necessary step in the California Environmental Quality Act process. At the meeting, the public and other interested parties will hear an overview of the proposed project and have an opportunity to comment on the scope and content of the EIR as well as issues and alternatives that should be addressed in the report.

The review period extends through 5 p.m. on May 22, 2012, so those unable to attend the meeting may also review the document and provide comments. The AOC’s notice of preparation for the EIR and other project information and instructions for submitting comments are available on the California Courts website: www.courts.ca.gov/facilities-eldorado.htm under the BACKGROUND tab.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 5:30–6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Building C Hearing Room, 2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA.

WHO: The AOC’s Office of Court Construction and Management will present project information, and interested parties may ask questions, provide verbal comments, or submit written comments regarding the scope of the EIR.

WHY: The current Superior Court of El Dorado County is located in two facilities. These buildings are severely overcrowded, have functional and physical deficiencies, and are significantly lacking in security. The planned project is funded by Senate Bill 1407 (2008), which finances critically needed courthouse construction and renovation through a portion of judicial branch fees, penalties, and assessments, with no impact on the state’s General Fund.

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