Resolution No. 2025-71
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF VISALIA AUTHORIZING MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE COUNTY OF TULARE FOR THE
GOSHEN-VISALIA CORRIDOR CONNECTION PROJECT
WHEREAS, on December 5, 2024, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) adopted the 2025 Active Transportation Program (ATP) Statewide and Small Urban and Rural components.
WHEREAS, the adopted program of projects for the Small Urban and Rural component included $16,870,000 for four projects. Within the Small Urban and Rural component, the CITY received $2,636,000 of its $34,608,000 request for the Goshen Visalia Corridor Connection Project (PROJECT).
WHEREAS, on June 26, 2025, CTC amended the PROJECT’s programmed in the Small Urban and Rural component, adding $31,672,000 to the construction phase in fiscal year 2028-29, and $300,000 to the construction non-infrastructure phase in fiscal year 2025-26, for a total programmed amount of $34,608,000.
WHEREAS, the PROJECT improves the CITY’s 5.6-mile Class 1 multi-use Goshen Trail (TRAIL), creating an active transportation spine. The PROJECT also adds traffic calming measures, sidewalk and Class IV bikes lanes within the Unincorporated Community of Goshen (COMMUNITY) creating a multi-modal network with connection to the TRAIL’s network spine, establishing connectivity from a disadvantaged community to the neighboring City.
WHEREAS, the TRAIL is exceptional in its location as it connects the COMMUNITY and the CITY's industrial park to Downtown Visalia with minimal interruptions and traverses many living and working spaces, giving the project extraordinary potential for high and varied use for commuting, school trips, exercising, and recreation.
WHEREAS, improvements within the COMMUNITY will provide multi-modal connections with traffic safety enhancements to the TRAIL, opening non-vehicular connections to medical services, employment, and schools located in the CITY.
WHEREAS, the current conditions of the TRAIL and corridors within the COMMUNITY are in disrepair with many low spots with poor drainage causing flooding to occur, minimal trees providing comfort during warm weather, and minimal lighting, or public amenities.
WHEREAS, a primary safety concern along the TRAIL is lack of separation from adjacent roadway in areas due to missing landscaping buffers, curbs and gutters. The PROJECT addresses the need for a safe, aesthetically pleasing, and convenient infrastructure for all commuters and non-vehicular travel.
WHEREAS, the PROJECT will reconstruct the TRAIL into a 10-ft wide multi-use trail, with protected intersection crossings distance, close multiple gaps, install a traffic circle, and improve four corridors within the COMMUNITY. Improvements address flooding, traffic safety, and railroad crossing safety as well as lack of facilities within the Goshen Community.
WHEREAS, the PROJECT is a high priority for the COUNTY, as it will provide much-needed traffic safety improvements in the Disadvantaged Community of Goshen, and essential connectivity to the CITY. This project truly embodies the goals of the ATP as it provides safe, convenient transportation options for students, the unhoused population, and other vulnerable community members who do not have access to vehicles through the addition of bike lanes and pedestrian friendly road safety improvements.
WHEREAS, the PROJECT includes the construction of 2.2 miles of Class IV bike lanes, 2.2 miles of sidewalk, 18 intersection modifications, 7 railroad crossing improvements, 40,000-feet of curb and gutter, 5.4 miles of trail reconstruction, and 0.2 miles of new trail.
WHEREAS, federal funds will be used to fund this PROJECT, therefore both PARTIES must adhere to relevant Federal Requirements and Regulations throughout the PROJECT term.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that that the City Council of the City of Visalia:
The Visalia City Manager is authorized on behalf of the City of Visalia to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with Tulare County for the Goshen-Visalia Corridor Connection Project, with any such additional non-substantive changes as the City Manager deems appropriate.
PASSED AND ADOPTED: LESLIE CAVIGLIA, CITY MANAGER
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF TULARE ) SS.
CITY OF VISALIA )
I, Leslie Caviglia, City Manager of the City of Visalia, certify the foregoing is the full and true Resolution 2025-71 passed and adopted by the Council of the City of Visalia at a regular meeting held on October 6, 2025.
Dated: LESLIE CAVIGLIA, CITY MANAGER
By: Reyna Rivera, Chief Deputy City Clerk