$10 million for Strathmore Active Transportation Project

Three projects developed to improve multi-modal corridor operations in Tulare County’s unincorporated communities have been recommended by the California Transportation Commission staff for a combined $37.7 million in Federal and State funding through California’s Active Transportation Program.

County of Tulare project applications were submitted by the Tulare County Resource Management Agency to secure much-needed funding to improve the infrastructure in these communities.

The California Transportation Commission released its staff recommendations on Nov. 2, which included projects in Cutler and Orosi, Strathmore, and Earlimart. The CTC is expected to approve the recommendations at its Board meeting on December 3 and 4.

In a November 2 press release, the CTC noted “each project underwent a comprehensive review to assess its benefit to disadvantaged communities, its potential to increase walking and biking, its potential to increase safety and mobility for nonmotorized users, and public participation and planning efforts, among other scoring criteria outlined in the adopted guidelines." (https://catc.ca.gov/programs/active-transportation-program)

“Projects like these reflect our region’s commitment to pursuing every available funding opportunity to make transportation safer, more accessible, and more reliable for residents we serve,” said RMA Director Reed Schenke. "Investments like these not only help deliver needed improvements but often position us to compete for and secure additional funding, creating a multiplier effect for counties like Tulare, where funding for this type of neighborhood improvement is limited. Through the strategic use of local Measure R revenues alongside state and federal funding sources, including ATP grants, we have successfully moved projects forward in our unincorporated communities and across Tulare County.”

The projects are:

Cutler-Orosi Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity Improvements: Total project cost $22.933 million, with $18.346 million in requested ATP funding, recommended for a community with a population of approximately 15,000 and 3,735 local students.

Strathmore Connectivity and Safety Improvement: Total project cost $9.999 million, with $7.999 million in requested ATP funding, recommended for a community with a population of approximately 3,000 and 1,497 local students.

Earlimart Multi-Modal and Safety Enhancement: Total project cost $16.469 million, with $11.381 million in requested ATP funding, recommended for a community with a population of approximately 7,700 and 960 local students.

“These projects address important transportation needs in our rural communities, where residents and students often have limited options for safely walking or biking to schools, parks, and other community destinations. Through improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities, safer crossings, and better connectivity, we are working to create safer and more accessible routes for everyone,” said RMA Engineer IV Claudia Sanchez.

"While the ATP Program has been around since 2013, this is the first time Tulare County has been recommended by CTC for funding, and the County was the only jurisdiction that received recommendations for three projects in this cycle. This is evidence of the effectiveness of the County’s investment in professional grant-writing staff. RMA Grants Specialist Ally Yates worked closely with Public Works staff to tell a compelling story while matching grant criteria for three successful applications,” said RMA Grants and Resources Manager Denise England.

Together, the projects would support communities with a combined population of about 25,700 Tulare County residents.

RMA developed the projects and grant applications with input from community residents, local government agencies, including the Tulare County Association of Governments and the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, school districts, community organizations, local businesses, and other economic stakeholders. This collaborative approach helped identify community transportation needs, gather input from those directly impacted, and develop projects that reflect local priorities while improving safety, accessibility, and connectivity. Improvements will include new sidewalks, ADA Compliant ramps, bike lanes, and crosswalks.

The Active Transportation Program supports projects that encourage walking and biking to improve public health and reduce the amount of vehicle miles traveled. The recommendations remain subject to CTC approval at their December board meeting. All three projects are expected to be on similar timelines, with construction anticipated to be completed by 2031.

For more information about the ATP program, visit catc.ca.gov/programs/active-transportation-program.

$10 million for Strathmore Active Transportation Project

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