Press release from the Trinidad Rancheria:

The Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria (Trinidad Rancheria) is issuing this Press Release to announce that the Tribe will be hosting a Community Information Workshop for the US 101 / Trinidad Area Access Improvements Project. Community members can drop in anytime between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. to view exhibits and ask questions and the detailed schedule is below:

Date:Tuesday August 15, 2023
Time: 6:00 P.M. Presentation,6:30 P.M Exhibit Display Review
Location:The Heights Casino-Bingo Hall,27 Scenic Drive, Trinidad

What is the Project?

The US101/Trinidad Area Access Improvements Project proposes improvements to US101 and local roads to provide safe and sustainable access to Tribal lands and the surrounding communities along Scenic Drive; to relieve projected traffic congestion associated with planned future developments in the Trinidad Area; and to reconnect tribal lands on the east and west sides of US101. The project is being led by the Trinidad Rancheria, in partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

What Improvements are Being Considered?

The proposed improvements include reconstruction of Scenic Drive to accommodate standard lane and shoulder widths and a pedestrian/bicycle path, improved connectivity to US 101 through reconstruction of the existing Trinidad-Main Street interchange or construction of a new interchange adjacent to the Rancheria, and construction of a pedestrian and bicycle path between Tribal lands on the east and west side of US 101.

What Has Been Done so Far, and What are the Next Steps?

A Project Study Report-Project Development Support (PSR-PDS) was approved by Caltrans and the Trinidad Rancheria in December 2017. This project initiation document evaluated 12 alternatives that addressed safety, accessibility, mobility, and operational issues, as well as reconnection of tribal lands. Currently, a Project Report is being developed that will evaluate those alternatives that meet the purpose and need of the project. Environmental site surveys are being conducted and environmental studies are expected to continue through the end of 2023. Once these studies are complete, a draft environmental document will be prepared, which will be circulated for public review in 2024.