The Tulare County Association of Governments breaks ground on the 99-widening project, the Delano to Pixley Mainline Improvement Project. The County of Tulare Board of Supervisors and our RMA team attended to support the initiative. | | |
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LATEST UPDATES
FROM THE RMA
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- Good News
- Public Works
- Economic Development, Planning & Tourism
- Building & Permit Center
- Fiscal and Administrative Services & Human Resources
- Grants & Resources
- RMA Monthly Data Report
| | The 2025 Chip Seal Program has begun and will conclude in mid-September. RMA Road Crews are hard at work maintaining roadways along unincorporated communities this season. | | |
Dear Tulare County Community,
With Labor Day weekend right around the corner and summer wrapping up, I am pleased to share a few important updates regarding the great work taking place at the Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA). First, our annual Chip Seal Program is underway, improving over 75 miles of rural county roads. This preventive maintenance is an investment in safer, longer-lasting roads for all who travel through our communities. We appreciate your patience as our crews complete this vital work.
Second, we recently celebrated the conclusion of the Tulare County Taco Trail. This initiative has been a fun and flavorful way to explore local businesses and support our vibrant food culture. Thank you to everyone who participated in making it a success and for continuing to support our small businesses.
Finally, we are honored to announce that the RMA has been officially appointed as the Sewer System Administrator for East Orosi. This is the first appointment of its kind in California, marking a historic step in ensuring safe and reliable infrastructure for our residents. By managing operations directly through customer rates, we are building a sustainable system that will serve the community well into the future.
Together, these milestones reflect our commitment to serving Tulare County with excellence, innovation, and care. To wrap up the month, the RMA provided the Board of Supervisors a presentation regarding our commitment to enhancing customer service and our response to service requests from our constituents on Tuesday, August 26.
Best Regards,
Ahmad Alkhayyat, PE, MBA
RMA Assistant Director of Public Works
| | The County of Tulare’s New Website is Now Live! | | |
The Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) and the County of Tulare as a whole have launched a newly redesigned website, which went live on August 21, 2025.
The updated site offers a fresh look, improved navigation, and user-friendly features designed to make it easier for residents, businesses, and visitors to access important information and services. From permit applications and public records requests to road maintenance updates and community resources, the new website provides quick, convenient access to the information you need.
The goal was to create a modern, accessible platform that improves the way the County connects with the public, and the new site makes it easier than ever for people to find the information and services they are looking for.
The website will be available at www.tularecounty.ca.gov/rma.
Questions? Please contact economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov
| | Mobile view of the RMA's new website. | | |
PUBLIC WORKS
ROADS CREW, ENGINEERING, & LAND SURVEYING TEAMS
| | $167.6 Million SR 99 Widening Project Moves Forward in Tulare County | |
A major transportation improvement is underway in Tulare County, with a $167.6 million project set to widen State Route 99 by adding a third lane in each direction along a 14-mile stretch of the highway.
Funded through a combination of federal and state sources, the project aims to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and support economic growth in the region. Once complete, the widened corridor will help accommodate increasing traffic volumes and reduce congestion for both commuters and commercial drivers.
This project is a major win for Tulare County and the Central Valley. Investing in infrastructure means investing in the future of local communities and the economy, particularly for agricultural communities that rely on State Route 99 as their primary means of transportation.
The Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) played an instrumental role in securing funding and coordinating support for the project, which is expected to be completed by fall 2027.
Construction will be phased to minimize disruption to drivers, and travelers are encouraged to stay informed about traffic impacts during the work period.
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The Resource Management Agency’s annual Chip Seal Project is now underway, improving more than 75 miles of rural county roads. While this preventive maintenance enhances safety and extends pavement life, it also means temporary lane closures and work zones across Tulare County.
To help the public travel safely during this busy season, RMA Safety & Personnel Specialist Chris Zimmerman has recorded a short video with important reminders for drivers. From slowing down near crews to watching for loose gravel, his tips are simple but critical.
Watch the video and follow us on social media for more safety updates.
| | | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING & TOURISM | | | | |
The 94th Annual Conference of the California County Planning Commissioners Association (CCPCA) is coming to Tulare County on October 24–25, 2025, and kicking off in the City of Tulare.
This two-day statewide event will convene planning commissioners, civic leaders, agency staff, and private-sector partners to explore the future of land use and infrastructure planning. In partnership with CCPCA, the County is proud to host the event with support from the City of Tulare, Eagle Mountain Casino, and Calgren Renewable Fuels.
Questions? Please contact the Economic Development Office team by email: economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov.
| | Thank you to current sponsors and event partners: | | Discover Tulare County Through Our New Trails | | |
Tulare County is home to a rich blend of history, art, and culture, and now there’s a new way to experience it all. The County has launched a series of themed trails designed to guide visitors and residents alike through some of our region’s most unique destinations.
These trails, available on the Discover Tulare County app, offer curated experiences that highlight the stories and spirit of our communities. From the vibrant murals in Exeter that celebrate local heritage and artistry, to the Tulare County Museum Alliance trail that connects visitors with history across multiple museums, each trail is an invitation to explore and engage more deeply with what makes our county special.
By checking in at each stop along the way, trail-goers can chart their own journey, learn the history behind each location, and discover hidden gems they may not have found otherwise. It’s a fun and interactive way to not only sightsee, but also to connect with the communities that shape Tulare County. This new initiative is part of the County’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism and showcase our local treasures.
| | | Ready to start exploring? Download the Discover Tulare County app and begin your journey today. | | Tulare County Taco Trail Comes to an End | | |
The Tulare County Taco Trail has officially come to a close, but the journey isn’t over. While the promotional campaign has ended, visitors and residents can still explore local taco spots using the interactive Taco Trail map and check-in feature, both of which will remain active on the Discover Tulare County mobile app.
The campaign, which ran throughout 2025, brought visitors from across the region to explore dozens of taquerias in cities and communities throughout the county. Hundreds of users participated, tracking their visits, supporting local businesses, and indulging in the best tacos Tulare County has to offer.
To celebrate the campaign's end, five lucky participants were selected as grand prize winners, each earning a specially curated Taco Trail gift package.
Questions? Email us at economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov
| | | Need Assistance with Permits? | | |
Our Permit Center is here to help with projects of all types, from residential to commercial.
Before beginning your permit application, we strongly encourage you to first contact the Tulare County Planning Department.
Speaking with a planner can help you determine what permits you may need, clarify zoning and land use requirements, and ensure your project is on the right track from the start.
To speak with a planner, please call (559) 624-7000.
| | RMA Planner IV Jose Saenz fields an inquiry at the Permit Center counter. | | FISCAL SERVICES AND HUMAN RESOURCES | | |
The Tulare County Human Resources Department celebrated National Wellness Month in August. For Tulare County, wellness is more than a theme for one month - it’s a commitment to ensuring employees have the support needed to thrive. By focusing on well-being, the County strengthens the workforce so our staff can continue providing quality services to the communities we serve.
The RMA encourages staff to take intentional steps toward wellness. Whether it’s staying hydrated, taking a short walking break, practicing mindfulness, or simply connecting with a colleague, every effort contributes to a healthier and more engaged workplace.
Together, these small actions build resilience and help employees recharge for the seasons ahead.
| | Throughout the workweek, RMA staff working in Visalia often take walks around the Government Plaza or across the street at Mooney Grove Park. All 11 Tulare County Parks are easy to locate with the Discover Tulare County mobile app. | | East Orosi is a community of a bit under 500 residents approximately 25 minutes northeast of Visalia. | | Tulare County RMA Appointed First Sewer System Administrator in California | | |
On June 11, 2025, the Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) was officially appointed as the Sewer System Administrator for East Orosi, which is the first appointment of its kind in California.
This historic milestone was made possible through legislation created by Senator Melissa Hurtado, who sponsored a bill granting the State Water Resources Control Board the authority to appoint administrators for troubled wastewater systems. With the RMA now serving as administrator, the agency has assumed full responsibility for managing and maintaining East Orosi’s sewer system. In July, the RMA began billing customers directly, ensuring that operational costs are covered through rates collected from users. This financial model allows the agency to operate sustainably while protecting public health and the environment.
“A willingness to fulfill this role and a willingness to find creative solutions has been key to moving any of this forward,” said RMA Grants & Resources Manager Denise England
The appointment underscores Tulare County’s leadership role in addressing critical infrastructure needs, while also marking the beginning of a new chapter in how California supports communities with essential services.
| | Goshen-Visalia Corridor Connection Project Secures $34.6 Million in Funding | |
The RMA, in partnership with the City of Visalia, announced the full funding of the Goshen-Visalia Corridor Connection Project (GVCCP) in June 2025. The project was awarded $34.6 million through the State of California's Active Transportation Program (ATP), a grant program administered by the California Transportation Commission to improve infrastructure that promotes walking and biking in California communities.
The GVCCP will enhance the 5.6-mile Class I multi-use Goshen Trail, creating a central active transportation spine between Goshen and Visalia.
Improvements will extend into Goshen’s local streets to establish a safe and convenient multi-modal network. Construction will include:
- 2.2 miles of Class IV bike lanes
- 2.2 miles of new sidewalks
- 18 intersection modifications
- 7 railroad crossing improvements
- 40,000 feet of new curb and gutter
- 5.4 miles of Goshen Trail reconstruction
- 0.2 miles of new trail construction
| | Latest RMA Data Packet Now Available | | | | |
RMA Data is now available in a single data packet including information regarding:
- Project Status Updates
- Public Works Field Operations
- Monthly Planning Report
- Building and Housing Report
| | Follow Us On Social Media | | |
Several RMA initiatives also have an online presence. Search for the following accounts to keep up to date with the latest at our agency.
| | Send over your story idea and it may just make it into a future edition of this publication! To learn more, contact RMA Media Specialist Lacey Patrick by email (lpatrick@tularecounty.ca.gov). | | RMA Contact Information and Quick Links | | |
Government Plaza (RMA Headquarters)
5961 S. Mooney Boulevard, Visalia, CA 93277
Phone: (559) 624-7000 • FAX: (559) 615-3002
Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Fridays 8:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Email: rma@tularecounty.ca.gov
Building Permit Center Hours:
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Porterville Permit Center
346 N. Porter Road, Porterville, CA
Phone: 559-782-6800 • 559-782-6801
Building Zone Information
Phone: (559) 624-7105
E-mail: Zone-Information@tularecounty.ca.gov
Public Information Requests
Email: rma@tularecounty.ca.gov
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