Development News for Tulare, California

International Agra Center Way Extension Project Advances with Environmental Clearance and Utility Relocation Plans

The City of Tallery is moving forward with the International Agra Center Way extension project, which involves environmental clearance (NEPA Categorical Exclusion) expected by August 2026 and right-of-way acquisition by July 2026. The project plans to clear trees and improvements from the right-of-way, with an agreement that the International Agra Center will license the property for farming post-right-of-way acquisition, covering the cost of tree removal. Utility relocations are scheduled from October to December 2026, with Edison's relocation plans nearing completion. The project is slated for advertisement in early October 2026, bid opening in November 2026, and award by the end of 2026, with construction anticipated to start in mid-January 2027. A specific condition requires that construction activities accommodate the World Ag Expo, scheduled for February 9-11, 2027, potentially by suspending work or ensuring continuous access. Council members raised concerns about potential delays, the involvement of various stakeholders (Faria family, Agra Center), and the need for a clear funding schedule, which staff agreed to develop. The project's construction period is estimated at five to six months (100-120 working days).

Tallery PD Concludes Mail Theft Investigation, Three Suspects Sentenced to Three Years Local Custody

The Tallery City Council was updated on the investigation and prosecution of a mail theft case that occurred throughout late 2025 and early 2026. The Tallery Police Department identified three individuals involved, with one identified as the ringleader or 'key master' responsible for fabricating mailbox keys. The investigation utilized citizen reports, including one where a victim mailed themselves an Air Tag, and license plate readers to identify a suspect vehicle. The three suspects were on probation for similar offenses in Fresno County, including identity theft and mail theft. Search warrants served in Fresno led to the recovery of hundreds, possibly thousands, of pieces of stolen mail and items such as DMV licenses, passports, IRS refunds, and fabricated debit cards. The suspects were booked, and the District Attorney filed 16 felony counts, leading to a plea deal where the three suspects are serving three years in local custody. The Police Department thanked its investigators, patrol officers, records division, and collaborating agencies for their work on the case, which involved hundreds of victims.

Caltrans Outlines $230 Million Highway 99 Widening and Paige Interchange Project Timeline

Caltrans provided an update on the State Route 99 corridor and Paige multimodal interchange improvements project. The project involves widening Highway 99 from two to three lanes in each direction and creating a new interchange at Paige Avenue, which will transition from Paige over Highway 99 to Highway 99 over Paige. The project is currently in the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) and right-of-way phases, with construction anticipated to begin in January 2027 after contractor award in June 2027. The total project cost is estimated at $230 million, funded through various federal, state, and local sources, including $18 million from Tallery County's Measure R. Key impacts include utility relocations (T Canal, Edison transmission lines), potential impacts to businesses like Rosh Oil, Loves, and Flying J, and property owners along Foster Drive due to aerial easement acquisitions. Detours will be implemented, including closing the Paige Avenue off-ramp and potentially Paige Avenue and Blackstone intersection during roundabout construction. Highway 99 traffic will be maintained using temporary lanes ('shoefly') during the bridge construction phase. The project is expected to be completed by January 2031, with a delayed start to accommodate utility relocation. Caltrans plans to communicate project updates through community alerts, social media, and mailers. The project will feature four roundabouts and a new bridge, aiming to improve traffic flow and safety.

Tallery City Council Approves 2026 Active Transportation Plan to Boost Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure

The Tallery City Council adopted the 2026 Active Transportation Plan (ATP), a strategic document designed to enhance pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and safety throughout the city. The plan, developed with input from TJKM, identified high-collision areas, particularly those involving pedestrians and cyclists, and proposed significant upgrades. Key recommendations include adding over 90 miles of new bicycle facilities (Class 1, 2, 3, and 4), implementing pedestrian safety measures like high-visibility crosswalks and improved lighting, and closing sidewalk gaps. The plan aims to create a more connected and safer environment for non-motorized transportation, aligning with goals for healthier lifestyles and reduced vehicle reliance. Council members discussed the implementation strategy, emphasizing the need for clear funding pathways through grants and integration with existing Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) to ensure projects are realized efficiently. Specific concerns were raised regarding the inclusion of certain streets and the prioritization of safety improvements.