As an update on recent UC Merced developments, please be advised that a Petition for Writ of Mandate was denied today by Judge William T. Ivey of the Superior Court of California in Merced, County.
The court found that the University of California fully complied with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in preparing and certifying its Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The judge also ruled that the University had adequately studied and addressed potential water supply issues, air quality analysis and design of a storm drainage system in relation to the construction of the future campus.
The University's Final EIR fully examined every environmental resource as specified by CEQA and more. All aspects of the campus, from its location, size and orientation to its design and architecture, have undergone full scrutiny. Every environmental issue - from potential impacts to mitigation measures to various development alternatives - has been the subject of a thorough review by the University and its expert consultants.
The University intends to proceed with Phase I construction on part of the proposed campus site that is a former golf course in the Fall of 2002.
This positive ruling allows the University to continue with its plan to host Chancellor Carol Tomlinson-Keasey's inauguration and its founding celebration at the future campus site on Friday, October 25, 2002.
