Hanford celebrated the start of its East Lacey Boulevard Improvement Project on Tuesday, which will make major infrastructure improvements for one of the most traveled corridors in the city.
The project is funded by money secured by Rep. David Valadao (R–Hanford) as part of his community project funding requests.
The big picture: Valadao joined Hanford Mayor Travis Paden, numerous Hanford city staff and E. Lacey Blvd. business owners to kickoff the project on Tuesday.
- The $7.3 million in federal funding secured by Valadao will go to improve the traffic flow and safety along E. Lacey Blvd.
Go deeper: E. Lacey Blvd. from 10th Ave. to east of Sierra Dr. will be widened and improved to allow for two lanes in each direction, along with a center dual left turn lane.
- Existing pavement will be reconstructed and a new drainage collection and disposal system will be installed.
- The project will also result in new curbs, gutters, sidewalks, drive approaches, ADA ramps, street lighting and a new traffic signal system at E. Lacey Blvd. and 9th Ave.
What they’re saying: “I came to Congress to deliver results for the Central Valley, and I was glad to work with city leaders in Hanford to help them bring taxpayer dollars back to our community,” Valadao said. “Once completed, the East Lacey Boulevard Project will improve safety along the corridor, help with the flow of traffic, and invest in nearby businesses. As a lifelong resident of Hanford I understand the need for this project and was glad to help play a small role in moving this forward.”
- Paden said the city is incredibly grateful for Valadao’s efforts to secure the federal funding for the project.
- “This large-scale infrastructure project will be transformational for the City, its residents, and the businesses that border the busy street,” Paden said. “When construction is completed in a couple of years, we know the boulevard will not only be a safer and more efficient road, but also a more visually appealing corridor for anyone coming to downtown Hanford from the City’s east side.”
The backstory: The city made a request in March 2023 to Valadao, Senator Alex Padilla and former Senator Dianne Feinstein for federal support for the project.
- The city said at the time that the project was necessary to improve walkability, increase access to public transportation and address public safety concerns.
- The project was identified in a comprehensive study conducted in 2021 regarding the transportation needs in downtown Hanford.
- The city has already allocated nearly $5.6 million for the project, which is estimated to cost around $12.9 million in total.
