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Environmental Commitment
We do more than operate The Toll Roads
For more than a quarter century, our environmental initiatives have preserved scenic beauty and healthy ecosystems while building sustainable transportation solutions.
We’ve protected the natural resources of more than 2,000 acres of habitat and open space; created the first successful native habitat on a closed landfill; transformed a narrow concrete drainage ditch into a thriving wetland and coastal sage scrub community; and built a state-of-the-art, award-winning wildlife fence that keep drivers and wildlife separate and safe.
To learn more about these and other environmental initiatives, view our Environmental Initiatives Brochure
.
Funding
Toll and fee revenues from the operation of The Toll Roads provide funding to TCA’s long-term environmental initiatives. This means that drivers using The Toll Roads have a positive effect on the quality of air, water, land and wildlife in Orange County. To date, TCA has spent more than $100 million on environmental initiatives.
History
TCA’s extensive environmental programs were developed to balance construction of the 73, 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads with the natural environment. Since 1990, TCA has conserved and restored over 2,000 acres of coastal sage scrub, wetlands, riparian and saltwater marsh at 17 different Orange County locations.
TCA has participated in local habitat preservation through financial and land contributions to the County of Orange Central/Coastal Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP)/Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) since its inception in 1996. TCA contributed nearly $7 million to the Natural Communities Coalition of Orange County’s endowment of $10 million to ensure the long-term management of nearly 40,000 acres from Orange County’s coast to the Cleveland National Forest, set aside as open space as part of this NCCP.
Awards
TCA’s demonstrated commitment to the environment has not gone unnoticed. Innovative strategies, design, management and conservation measures have been acknowledged by the tolling industry, government entities, planning and ecological organizations, and educational institutions. Among its awards are:
- Environmental Excellence Award from the Federal Highway Administration
- Focused Issue Planning Award from the American Planning Association Orange Section
- Award of Merit from the American Planning Association California Chapter
- Toll Innovation Award, International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association
- Innovative Transportation Solutions Award from the Women’s Transportation Seminar Orange County
- Toll Excellence Award in Social Responsibility from the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association
- California Association of Environmental Professionals Public Involvement and Education Award
- Acknowledgment by the International Conference on Ecology and Transportation for TCA conservation projects
- California Association of Environmental Professionals Outstanding Achievement Award
Current Initiatives
Recent projects for TCA’s Environmental team include the extension of the Wildlife Protection Fence along State Route 241 and the beginning of an ongoing study of the fence’s effectiveness in reducing animal-vehicle collisions. Other projects include ongoing management of the Upper Chiquita Canyon Conservation Area, Limestone Canyon and Live Oak Plaza, and continued habitat restoration at Strawberry Farms.