California Business Minute™

Hi, I am Tim Johnson and welcome to the California Business Minute.

A kangaroo rat and a star plant both endangered species apparently were missed
during the planning process but are now recognized and must be addressed before
real estate can be developed next to the 210 Freeway in Rialto.

The city's Economic Development Director Robb Steel says extending Pepper Avenue
a half-mile north will now cost between four and eight times more than expected.

City officials thought the extension would cost about $5 million until a recent meeting
with officials from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Steel says the final cost could
now range between $20 million and $40 million.

The animal and plant are both protected by the Endangered Species Act, and massive
steps will need to be taken to provide a new habitat for them.

I am Tim Johnson and this has been the California Business Minute.


                                                                                                       Photo by Bob Wall