INSTRUCTIONS
1. Find the template you want to use
2. Copy its text
3. Paste the text into a new, blank email
4. Email your comment to albionbridge@dot.ca.gov
### 1. **Template on Noise Impact**
Subject: Public Comment on Noise Impact and Preservation of the Historic Albion River Bridge
Dear Ms. Liza Walker,
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the significant, unmitigated noise impact associated with the proposed Albion River Bridge Replacement Project. The Noise Study Report indicates that construction activities will produce significant noise levels, potentially disturbing residents and visitors as well as avian, terrestrial, and aquatic wildlife (Noise Study Report, p. 20-24).
Instead of moving forward with a noisy and disruptive construction process for a new bridge, I strongly recommend rehabilitating and preserving the existing historic Albion River Bridge. This approach would not only substantially reduce noise pollution but also preserve an important historical structure that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rehabilitation would be less intrusive and environmentally damaging, and it honors the bridge’s cultural significance.
Thank you for considering this alternative approach.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
### 2. **Template on Community Impact**
Subject: Public Comment on Community Impact and Preservation of the Historic Albion River Bridge
Dear Ms. Liza Walker,
I am writing to address the significant, unmitigated community impact of the Albion River Bridge Replacement Project. The Community Impact Assessment notes that the project will severely disrupt access to the Albion River Campground and Marina, as well as limit public access to Albion Cove Beach during construction (Community Impact Assessment, p. 14-17).
I urge the project team to consider rehabilitating and preserving the existing historic Albion River Bridge instead of constructing a new bridge that has significant and unmitigated impacts on the natural and human environment. Preservation would minimize community disruption, protect local businesses, and maintain access to recreational areas that are vital to the local economy. Moreover, the existing bridge holds significant historical value, and its preservation would enhance the cultural heritage of the area.
Please prioritize the rehabilitation of the existing bridge as a more community-friendly and historically respectful alternative (that is also the only Coastal Act- and LCP-consistent alternative by avoiding intrusion of new looming development in the designated and mapped highly scenic area, where new development has to be subordinate to the setting).
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
### 3. **Template on Air Quality Concerns**
Subject: Public Comment on Air Quality and Preservation of the Historic Albion River Bridge
Dear Ms. Liza Walker,
I am writing to express concerns about the air quality impacts of the Albion River Bridge Replacement Project. The Air Quality Report highlights that construction activities will contribute to local air pollution through pollutant and dust emissions from heavy-duty equipment to the narrow lower Albion River Valley (Air Quality Report, p. 25-28).
To mitigate these environmental impacts, I recommend that the project team consider rehabilitating the existing historic Albion River Bridge rather than building a new structure. Rehabilitation would result in substantially fewer emissions and a smaller environmental footprint compared to the construction of a new bridge. This approach would also allow the community to retain an important historical landmark while addressing the necessary safety improvements in a more sustainable manner.
Thank you for considering this environmentally responsible alternative.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
### 4. **Template on Energy Efficiency**
Subject: Public Comment on Energy Efficiency and Preservation of the Historic Albion River Bridge
Dear Ms. Liza Walker,
I am submitting my comments on the energy efficiency aspects of the Albion River Bridge Replacement Project alternatives. The Energy Analysis Memorandum discusses the significant energy consumption required for constructing a new concrete bridge (Energy Analysis Memorandum, p. 3-5). The Project alternatives (the DEIR/DEIS erroneously presents no proposed project for relevant specific analysis) also do no describe and analyze the extent to which they may increase Vehicle Miles Traveled, either during the 4-6 year total construction/bridge removal phase or during the proposed 75-year service life of a new bridge, notwithstanding that the DEIR/DEIS projects a substantial increase in average daily trips (ADT’s) on the bridge.
Instead of pursuing an energy-intensive new construction project, I urge the project team to rehabilitate and preserve the existing historic Albion River Bridge. Rehabilitation requires less energy and fewer resources, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective solution. This approach aligns with California’s goals of reducing energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and vehicle miles traveled, while preserving an invaluable piece of California history.
Please consider this alternative as a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly option.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
### 5. **Template on Hydraulic and Floodplain Considerations**
Subject: Public Comment on Hydraulic and Floodplain Impact and Preservation of the Historic Albion River Bridge
Dear Ms. Liza Walker,
I am writing to comment on the hydraulic and floodplain considerations of the Albion River Bridge Replacement Project. The Draft Final Hydraulic Report outlines potential changes to floodplain dynamics due to the construction of alternative new bridge alignments (Draft Final Hydraulic Report, p. 4-10).
Rather than building a new bridge structure, which during construction will and thereafter will likely alter the natural flow of the wild and scenic Albion River, I recommend rehabilitating the existing historic Albion River Bridge. Preservation would maintain the current hydraulic balance and minimize environmental disruption of this important California river and its Albion Flat gravel (hyporheic) bar, on which juvenile salmon rely for substance before migrating into the Pacific Ocean. This approach also honors the bridge’s historical significance and avoids the ecological impact of new construction in a sensitive area.
Thank you for considering the historic Albion River Bridge preservation alternative, which offers both significant environmental and cultural benefits, while it avoids the many direct and cumulative adverse effects on the natural and human environments of the “build alternatives".
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
### 6. **Template on Community Impacts Caused by Traffic Disruption**
Subject: Public Comment on Traffic Disruption and Preservation of the Historic Albion River Bridge
Dear Ms. Liza Walker,
I am writing to express my strong concerns about the likely significant traffic disruption caused by the Albion River Bridge Replacement Project’s “build alternatives” and removal of the historic, iconic Albion River Bridge. The construction of a new bridge would likely result in significant one-lane and full bridge traffic delays and detours, negatively impacting local residents, businesses, and visitors who rely on State Route 1 for daily travel to work, school, shopping, recreation, public meetings, and church, among other destinations (Initial Site Assessment, p. 2-4).
To minimize these unmitigated significant community impacts, I strongly recommend rehabilitating and preserving the existing historic Albion River Bridge instead of constructing a new bridge structure at a cost of over $130 million to over $155 million. Rehabilitation could be done in phases, allowing for continuous traffic flow with fewer disruptions. This approach would reduce the negative effects on the community, coastal businesses, prevent lengthy detours, and preserve the vital connection that the current bridge provides for this part of coastal Mendocino County.
Preserving the existing bridge also respects its historical significance, offering a solution that balances both functional needs and cultural heritage.
Thank you for considering this more community-friendly alternative.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
### 7. **Template on the Disruption of Biological Resources**
Subject: Public Comment on Biological Resource Disruption and Preservation of the Historic Albion River Bridge
Dear Ms. Liza Walker,
I am writing to raise strong concerns about the potential disruption to biological resources, including the sensitive eelgrass habitats, as a result of the Albion River Bridge Replacement Project. Eelgrass beds play a critical role in the coastal ecosystem, providing habitat for various marine species and contributing to water quality. The construction of a new bridge could significantly disturb these habitats and other biological resources in the area (Draft Final Hydraulic Report, p. 3-4).
To protect these vital resources, I recommend that the project team pursue the rehabilitation and preservation of the existing historic Albion River Bridge. Rehabilitation will have a much lower impact on the surrounding environment, including the eelgrass beds, by avoiding the extensive in-water work required for a new structure. Preserving the existing bridge also aligns with environmental stewardship and the protection of Mendocino County’s unique coastal ecosystems.
Thank you for considering this environmentally conscious alternative.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
### 8. **Template on General Environmental Disruption**
Subject: Public Comment on Environmental Disruption and Preservation of the Historic Albion River Bridge
Dear Ms. Liza Walker,
I am writing to express my strong concerns about the broader environmental disruptions that the Albion River Bridge Replacement Project in its several “build alternatives” may likely cause. Constructing a new bridge could lead to significant habitat loss (including through shading by the substantially wider new bridge design), soil erosion, and water pollution, all of which would have lasting impacts on the local environment and wildlife (Draft Final Hydraulic Report, p. 9-10).
In contrast, rehabilitating and preserving the existing historic Albion River Bridge would greatly reduce the environmental footprint of the project. Rehabilitation requires fewer resources and less invasive construction methods, which would help protect the natural landscape and the species that depend on it. Moreover, preserving the existing bridge would honor its historical and cultural significance with less ecological impact.
I urge the project team to prioritize the rehabilitation of the existing bridge as a sustainable and environmentally responsible alternative.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Here is a public comment template from the perspective of a resident who travels the Albion River Bridge daily:
### 9. Template from a Daily Commuter’s Perspective
Subject: Public Comment on Daily Commute Disruptions and Preservation of the Historic Albion River Bridge
Dear Ms. Liza Walker,
I am writing as a resident of Mendocino County who routinely travels across the Albion River Bridge to get to and from work. The proposed Albion River Bridge Replacement Project concerns me greatly due to the significant disruptions it would cause to my daily commute and the potential impact on my livelihood and quality of life.
The construction of a new bridge would lead to major traffic delays, detours, and extended driving times, which would make it much more difficult for residents like me to maintain our daily routines (like going to work, school, shopping, or other essential functions) and family responsibilities (Initial Site Assessment, p. 2-4). These disruptions could last for 4 to 6 years when the time for existing bridge removal and contingencies is included, creating an ongoing hardship for those of us who depend on the bridge for our livelihoods.
Instead of building a new bridge, I strongly urge the project team to focus on rehabilitating and maintaining the existing historic Albion River Bridge. This bridge has served the community well for decades, and with proper maintenance and upgrades, it can continue to do so without causing the severe disruptions that a complete replacement would entail. Rehabilitation would preserve not only the bridge’s historical value but also the reliability of our daily travels, ensuring that residents can travel safely and efficiently.
Thank you for considering the impact on the local community and the needs of daily commuters like myself in your decision-making process. I hope and request that you will prioritize the rehabilitation of the existing Albion River Bridge as a more practical and less disruptive solution.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Here is a public comment template from the perspective of a business owner concerned about the impact of bridge construction:
### 10. Template from a Business Owner’s Perspective
Subject: Public Comment on Business Impact and Preservation of the Historic Albion River Bridge
Dear Ms. Liza Walker,
I am writing as a local business owner who is deeply concerned about the potential impact of the Albion River Bridge Replacement Project “build alternatives” on my business and its customers. The construction of a new bridge would undoubtedly lead to significant disruptions in traffic flow, detours, and access issues that would severely affect my business operations and my customers’ ability to reach my establishment.
The Community Impact Assessment has highlighted that construction could restrict access to key areas, including local businesses, for an extended period that by further analysis of the Draft EIR/EIS and its attachments will extend to 4 to 6 years (Community Impact Assessment, p. 14-17). This disruption would result in a decrease in customer traffic, loss of revenue, and long-term harm to the local economy, which relies heavily on both residents and tourists who travel across the Albion River Bridge.
Instead of pursuing a new bridge, I urge the project team to focus on rehabilitating and maintaining the existing historic Albion River Bridge. Rehabilitation would be less disruptive, allowing for phased construction that maintains traffic flow and business access. By preserving the existing bridge, we can protect not only its historical value but also the economic vitality of local businesses that depend on it.
Thank you for considering the serious impact that bridge construction could have on local businesses like mine. I strongly encourage you to prioritize the rehabilitation of the existing Albion River Bridge as a solution that supports both the community and its economy.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Business Name]
Albion Bridge Stewards 