Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tulare County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in roads
Caldwell 99 interchange groundbreaking
After decades in the making, construction is finally starting on the Caldwell 99 interchange — safer traffic flow and a boost for economic development in that corridor.
Highway Safety Improvement Program Grant Applications
The county is applying for seven grants worth an estimated $12.7 million total to improve road safety. That could mean funded safety projects on county roads.
Three Rivers road acceptance
The board vacated unused Canyon Drive and Quail Run Drive rights-of-way in South Fork Estates Unit 2, a subdivision approved in 1985 whose third unit was never built. Owners must consolidate lots and prove legal, physically viable access by December 31, 2029. A property owner described a private fire-access road to the cemetery as an escape route.
County road construction and infrastructure awards
The Board awarded contracts for slurry seal countywide, the $5.6 million Farm to Market project near Pixley and Terra Bella, a culvert replacement near Strathmore, and accepted new roads in Goshen — better roads and drainage for rural communities.
Mineral King Road & Wishon Drive Permanent Restoration Bid Dispute
The board split over whether to waive a paperwork error by low bidder Rehak Construction, whose bid was $115,000 below the next bidder. After one failed vote, the contract went to Rehak for $317,001.62, with repairs to be reimbursed at 88% by the federal emergency relief program.
Regional Transit Agency Turnaround
TCRTA's rebrand, route redesign, new tech operator, and contactless payment with fare capping should make transit cheaper and easier for the population the task force serves. A single regional fare across Tulare, Visalia, and Porterville is nearly finalized.
Road Conditions in Pixley, Matheny Tract and Tuleville
Residents described pothole-ridden, unpainted roads in Pixley where a man fell and was injured, poor pavement in Matheny Tract, and speeding and gravel hazards near Tuleville's school bus stop — asking for Measure R dollars to be directed to their communities.
Active Transportation Program grants for Cutler-Orosi, Earlimart, and Strathmore
The county will apply for state grants worth about $49.4 million in projects to make walking and biking safer in three rural communities.