Multiple fueling and dining options are now available to Tulare County residents and visitors alike in Goshen, CA. | | |
LATEST UPDATES FROM THE RMA | |
- Good News
- Public Works
- Engineering
- Economic Development & Planning
- Building Division
- Grants Division
- RMA Monthly Data Report
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Reed Schenke, P.E.
Director
Resource Management Agency
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Welcome to the September edition of the Tulare County Resource Management Agency’s (RMA) In The Works publication.
As we enter fall, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the dynamic progress taking place throughout Tulare County. Whether it’s the new business growth in Goshen or the successful completion of the Chip Seal Project, the momentum of positive change is undeniable.
Our team at the RMA remains focused on enhancing services and infrastructure to meet the needs of our communities, with service to the public being our top priority. From improving roads to supporting local businesses, we are committed to creating a stronger, more vibrant community for those who live, work, or visit Tulare County.
Thank you for staying connected with us as we continue building a stronger, more vibrant county for all.
Best regards,
Reed
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What's Going on in Goshen? An Update from the RMA's Planning Division
By Aaron R. Bock, MCRP, JD, LEED AP
Assistant Director of Economic Development & Planning
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Large signage off State Route 99 and Betty Drive continues to point to large-scale developments in Goshen. | |
The new Goshen AMPM is making community members and visitors to the area happy to visit the new Betty Drive development. | The Valley Fuel Travel Plaza in Goshen features a fun orange truck as part of its unique signage promoting the travel stop and dining options. | |
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If you've recently driven up the 99, you may have noticed a new, taller sign rising off Betty Drive in Goshen, just a bit taller than the orange truck at Valley Fuel Travel Plaza Chevron across the way. This sign represents the Resource Management Agency's dedication to efficient, customer-friendly service and swift permit approvals.
Some of the latest developments in Goshen include the OMNI Development Project, featuring the Goshen Arco/AMPM Gas Station and Truck Center with food options like Wetzel’s Pretzels, Sbarro and Port O’ Subs, new Taco Bell and Carl’s Jr. restaurants, and an upcoming Comfort Inn & Suites.
Thanks to our speedy permitting process, Goshen is also home to impactful industrial and residential developments. These developments bring new opportunities to create jobs, homes, and amenities that enhance the quality of life of all who live, work, or visit this area of Tulare County.
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Follow Us: The RMA is Now on Instagram! | | |
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There are now more ways to stay connected with the RMA. We are now on Instagram! Please follow us there and on Facebook. | |
A Visit with the Signs Team
The RMA's Signs Team installs traffic signs and provides maintenance services for Tulare County's 4,823 square miles of roads. Traffic Control Superintendent Amy Farrell said the team also programs flashing street signs, including for school zones. Amy's team is responsible for programming these signs to take school hours and breaks into consideration. Members of the Signs Team have a large area to cover and are on-call 24/7. If a traffic sign is damaged, the team is prepared to fix it.
The Signs Team's work, including striping roads, sign management, and sign fabrication, helps keep Tulare County residents safe on their daily commutes and road trips.
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Amy Farrell (right) and the team discuss new signage created to encourage community members to share the road. | |
Justin Becker (left) and Vicente Murillo (right) discuss a new signage fabrication project within a workshop equipped with large-format printers and cutting equipment. | |
Michael Gardner creates art and lettering on his computer, which he then transfers to the printer. | |
Justin Becker lays down a metal sign as he prepares to adhere artwork onto it before it makes its way to a Tulare County community. | |
The Chip Seal Program is Complete | | |
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After four weeks of hard work, the Chip Seal Crew has completed roughly 75 miles of road work. The team chip-sealed areas across the County, including in or near Visalia, Tulare, Tipton, Pixley, Porterville, Lindsay, Woodlake, and more.
To celebrate the end of the program, our Chip Seal Crew team enjoyed a pizza lunch with Cain Trucking, Inc. The RMA and Cain Trucking worked together on a successful chip seal season, with work taking place safely and efficiently.
Thank you to the Chip Seal Crew and Cain Trucking, Inc., for their hard work and dedication, and thank you to our community members and visitors for driving a little slower and remaining patient as our crew made its way through numerous areas of the County.
Questions? Email rma@tularecounty.ca.gov or call (559) 624-7000.
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Opportunities for Curb & Sidewalk Improvements | | |
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Under the California Streets and Highway Code section 5610, property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks and any private improvements that are in the public Right of Way if their property is next to a public street.
The County of Tulare Curb & Sidewalk Reimbursement Program (CSRP) was created to financially assist property owners in residential areas with installing or making repairs to curbs, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and driveway approaches abutting their properties.
Applications for the CSRP will be processed as received and reimbursements will be made on a first-come, first-served basis until funds allocated for the year have been exhausted.
Questions? Please contact us by emailing EncroachmentPermits@tularecounty.ca.gov or calling (559) 624-7073.
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2023 Road Repair and Accountability Act (RRAA) Project Now Completed | |
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The County of Tulare's Public Works Branch utilizes several funding streams to help maintain roads in Tulare County.
Senate Bill 1, also known as the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, was signed into law on April 28, 2017. This legislative package invests $5.4 billion annually to fix roads, freeways, and bridges in communities across California and allocates more money to transit and safety. These funds are split equally between state and local investments. In 2006, Tulare County voters approved Measure R, a half-cent sales tax with a 30-year lifespan, to fund transportation projects, including improving roads, bike paths, and interchanges.
Recently, using SB1 and Measure R funding, roads have been rehabilitated on Rd. 152, Rd. 192, Lindmore St., Court Ave., Ave. 224, Rd. 68, Rd. 96, Rd. 264, Rd. 256, and Ave. 424. Other aspects of this project included pedestrian improvements, five curb ramps, and two city improvement locations. This project included coordination between the Public Works Branch and Don Berry Construction.
Questions? Please email rma@tularecounty.ca.gov.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING | |
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Tourism Training: Fall 2024 Concierge College
Taking Place at Galaxy Theatres in Tulare
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The Sequoia Tourism Council is offering a seminar for local businesses involved in the hospitality and retail industries.
This free seminar for local hospitality workers, businesses, and interested community members includes information about the economic impacts of tourism, visitor traffic, the national parks and forest, and local businesses and products.
Join us for Concierge College at Galaxy Theatres Tulare on September 26th, 8:00 am - 10:30 am.
Questions? Contact economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov.
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Local Restaurant Grant Opportunity | | |
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The Latino Restaurant Association (LRA) is offering a grant opportunity, sponsored by SoCalGas, to support local restaurant owners.
This initiative will provide financial assistance to 35 restaurants in South Fresno, Kings, and Tulare Counties, focusing on restaurant owners of Latino heritage and those who have made significant contributions to the Latino community.
Applications close September 20, 2024.
Questions? Contact economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov.
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Submitting permit applications to the County of Tulare's RMA is easier than ever. While the Building Permit Center no longer accepts applications via email, we accept applications via the County of Tulare Citizen Self Service Portal.
Before submitting an application, please contact the Planning Department first by calling (559) 624-7000. Our team of planners looks forward to guiding you through the process of submitting your application.
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Badger Achieves Milestone as Tulare County's First Firewise Community | |
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On August 23, 2024, the National Fire Protection Association officially announced Badger, CA, as a designated Firewise Community. A Firewise community is a neighborhood that has taken steps to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect its residents and properties. The Firewise USA program is a national initiative that helps communities achieve this goal.
RMA Grants Specialist Doreen Alvez developed a relationship with the Badger Sequoia Community Center (SCC), a group of safety-conscious residents who came together to help Badger become Firewise. Through a series of collaborative monthly meetings, the completion of a community risk assessment, the creation of a three-year action plan, and various outreach events focused on promoting the Firewise program and fuel reduction, the community successfully completed its Firewise application.
“The Badger Community invested significant time and effort into completing the necessary documentation to achieve Firewise status, and I am incredibly proud of their accomplishment!” Alvez said.
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Team Spotlight - Grants & Resources | |
(Left to right) Elva Parker, Administrative Aide; Lucero Hernandez, Staff Services Analyst; Denise England, Grants and Resources Manager; Sandra Sabin, Grants Specialist III; Alexandra Yates, Grants Specialist II; Doreen Alvez, Grants Specialist I. | |
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The Tulare County Resource Management Agency’s (RMA) Grants team has been reaching new heights with funding and programs. Grants & Resources Manager Denise England said her team of five has brought in a total of $54 million in active grant funding in the last three years. Having an in-house Grants team is one way in which the RMA remains proactive about funding opportunities to improve the quality of life for Tulare County residents.
The Grants team is currently working on bringing in more funding for the County’s housing program, which is centered on affordable housing for County residents. This program helps residents purchase a new home or provides aid to help residents pay for emergency repairs to their current home. They are also working on more funding for transportation projects, such as through the Caltrans Active Transportation Program, which aids communities in building walking or biking projects, such as sidewalks or bike lanes. The team is also working to improve the quality of life for Tulare County mountain communities through collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service to address forest health concerns.
Questions? Please email Elva Parker at eparker@tularecounty.ca.gov.
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Grants and Resources Manager Denise England is in her 19th year working for the County of Tulare, and currently leads a strong team of grant writers and assistants. Recently, Denise's responsibilities expanded to include oversight of Flood Control and County-owned water and sewer systems at the RMA. | |
Latest RMA Data Packet Now Available | | |
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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
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Follow Us On Social Media | |
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Several RMA initiatives also have an online presence. Search for the following accounts to keep up to date with the latest at our agency.
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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 | |
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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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