How does Caltrans approve “hardship” acquisitions?
If a freeway agreement has not been signed, the District must provide prior written notice to the appropriate local governments of all hardship and protection acquisitions. Advance acquisitions made prior to completion of environmental and location processes are not to influence environmental assessment of the project. Acquisition may be through donations, purchase, or other means. Each acquisition proposal is submitted for review and recommended action to the regional transportation planning agency in whose jurisdiction the land is located. Caltrans may approve the acquisition only after the regional transportation agency holds a hearing and finds that potential transportation facilities to be located on the land can be constructed in a manner that will avoid or mitigate specified environmental impacts or values.
