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By Francisco Ramirez
March 31, 2025 | Visalia, CA
VISALIA — City leaders have approved a major step toward economic expansion with the certification of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for a proposed industrial development at Shirk Road and Riggin Avenue—an area primed for job creation and long-term commercial growth.
The decision came during the Visalia City Council’s March 17 work session, where councilmembers unanimously voted to certify the EIR and move forward with plans for a large-scale light industrial project. City staff and planners estimate the development could generate up to 4,000 jobs over time, positioning the site as a vital component of Visalia’s regional employment strategy.
“This is about preparing for Visalia’s future,” staff noted during the presentation. “We’ve completed a thorough environmental review and now have a responsible roadmap forward.”
The project would transform an area near the Shirk and Riggin intersection, tapping into existing infrastructure while supporting the city’s push for diversified employment opportunities. Officials emphasized that the site has long been earmarked for industrial use in the city’s general plan, and the EIR addressed potential concerns related to traffic, air quality, and noise.
While some public comment centered on the cumulative impacts of nearby development, staff affirmed that mitigation strategies had been reviewed and deemed appropriate under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The city also cited increased economic activity, local hiring potential, and strengthened tax revenues as key benefits of the project.
Councilmembers expressed enthusiasm about the growth opportunity, with multiple members noting that this development fits squarely within the city’s long-term vision for economic sustainability.
With EIR approval secured, the city will now begin the next stages of planning, including infrastructure coordination and land use implementation. No timeline was announced for groundbreaking, but staff indicated that interest from private developers is already growing.
Do you think this project will deliver the jobs and opportunities Visalia needs?
