More Measure R Drama: Towns File Suit Against 210-710 Tunnel Project

The Pasadena Star News reports that the drama surrounding Measure R continues to make twists and turns as two municipalities filed suit against the Measure seeking to strip funding for the tunnel extension of the 710 Freeway that would connect it to the I-210.

The towns of South Pasadena and La Ca ada Flintridge filed separate suits claiming that it is illegal to fund a project that doesn't have a set route and hasn't undergone an environmental review.  Both towns also say they are for the proposed sales tax increase, even if they want this part of the proposal stripped out.

The suit may actually be a boon for Metro's ballot measure.  Environmentalists and other transit advocates frequently point to this project as environmentally wasteful and a reason not to support Metro's plan.  However, Metro is a political animal, and it's unlikely that if they lost the lawsuit they would put more money into green projects, the support of the Auto Club of Southern California's support for the project is based on the 20% of the budget going for highway projects.  Taking some of that funding away could sway their support.

Photo: Big Mike Lakers/Flickr