9. Statement of Overriding Considerations

Notwithstanding the disclosure of the significant construction related noise impact described above and the construction related air quality impacts, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors determined, pursuant to § 15093 of the CEQA Guidelines, that the benefits of the project outweigh the adverse impacts and that the project should be approved. The Board of Supervisors found that there are specific social, economic and other reasons for approving this project, notwithstanding the disclosure of the significant adverse impacts, as described and evaluated in the Draft and Final Environmental Impact Reports for the subject project. Pursuant to this finding, the Board of Supervisors prepared and certified a Statement of Overriding Considerations. The Public Utilities Commission concurs with the findings of the Board of Supervisors and finds pursuant to § 15096(h) of the CEQA Guidelines that there is substantial evidence in the record to determine that the benefits of the project outweigh the adverse impacts and that the project should be approved.

The specific social, economic and other reasons for approving this project, which override the unavoidable construction related noise and air quality impacts and identified in the findings, are as follows:

Supporting Facts

1. The project will eliminate a potential health and safety hazard to public safety.

2. Implementation of the recommended mitigation measures will reduce impacts a less than significant levels.

3. There is no economically feasible alternative that avoids adverse environmental impacts.