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Kingsburg secures $7.2M in state and federal transportation grants; several local projects scheduled
Summary
City Engineer Dave Pierce told the council the city has been awarded $7.2 million in transportation grants for 10 projects, including alley repaving, an Eighteenth Avenue reconstruction, a roundabout and EV charging infrastructure.
City Engineer Dave Pierce updated the Kingsburg City Council on Aug. 20 about concluded and upcoming engineering projects and a package of state and federal transportation grants that total about $7.2 million across 10 awards.
Pierce said two capital projects have just finished: an extension of roadway north of the business park and the city's 2025 streets project, which repaved Tulare Street and Stroud Avenue and other streets. He said bids will be issued this week for additional alley work (Mailor Warkentin Alley and a 20th/21st alley) in hopes of completing those before the wet season.
Grant awards and projects: Pierce summarized grant-funded projects the city will deliver in coming years, including: - Alley paving projects (Mailor Warkentin Alley between 10th and 14th; 20th/21st alley improvements). These alleys are being funded through competitive grants (air-quality and other programs), not the city's routine road-mile maintenance formula. - Eighteenth Avenue reconstruction (Earl to Sierra) to complete previous work. - A roundabout project (design and construction funded by grants) and repaving of Sierra Street (east of the roundabout to Rayford Johnson Drive). - Traffic-safety improvements at the Tenth/Kern intersection, including a speed table, narrowed turn lane and speed-feedback signage. - EV charging and microgrid work at the train-depot parking area (FCRTA project with solar-paneled parking awnings and public charging access).
Pierce said the FCRTA-led microgrid will add solar canopies and charging stations and that the agency is funding repaving and trash-enclosure work within the lot. He also noted an ongoing PG&E Rule 20 undergrounding project intended to place power lines underground in front of Roosevelt School; that work has been delayed and phased by PG&E but remains a priority.
Public comment and alleys: A resident asked how to request alley improvements; staff explained that alleys are typically not counted as road miles for the formula-driven local maintenance program and therefore are eligible for a limited set of competitive grants. Council Member Purcell said he is pushing Fresno COG to consider alleys as roadway miles because Kingsburg's alley system is unusual and currently receives little credit under regional formulas.
Ending: Pierce said staff will pursue grant delivery and adjust schedules as funding and delivery constraints require. The council asked staff to follow up with the resident about alley eligibility and to keep the council informed about grant scheduling.
