The draft of the Matheny Transportation Infrastructure Plan is now available for public review and comment through October 24. The plan is online at www.tularecounty.ca.gov/rma/index.cfm/whats-going-on/matheny-tract-transportation-infrastructure-plan/.
Printed copies will be available for review at the Tulare Public Library, 475 N. M St., Tulare; Palo Verde Elementary School, 9637 Ave. 196; Tulare County Resource Management Agency, 5961 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia; and City of Tulare, 411 E. Kern.
Omni-Means developed the plan under contract with the Tulare County Resource Management Agency as an essential first step in working to secure grant funding to make improvements in the small, unincorporated community.
The plan identifies critical needs, including sidewalks that are either in need of repair or non-existent. The estimated cost for constructing sidewalks is $3.7 million. New storm drain and roadway construction is also a high priority, according to residents. During a series of public meetings, residents also identified specific locations for new streetlights, to be funded through a Community Benefits Agreement with Colony Energy.
The plan reports that the identified improvements would cost over $14 million, if all were to be completed.
“The infrastructure needs are great and the cost is high, but the key is to have a plan in hand with specific project descriptions, scope of work and cost estimates that will help with grant applications,” said Gary Mills of Omni-Means.
For information on the Matheny Tract Transportation Infrastructure Plan, contact Mills at 734-5895 or gmills@omnimeans.com.