The Fresno Chamber of Commerce participated in a ribbon cutting Friday, Aug. 22, to unveil the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency’s new facility in Selma.

The $20 million Mayor David T. Cardenas Regional Operations & Maintenance Facility, named in honor of the late Fowler mayor, is evidence of Measure C’s impact on Fresno County.

“As Fresno County Transportation Authority Board Chair and also the board chair of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, I am proud that Measure C committed over $10 million to the design and construction of this operations and maintenance center adjacent to the Golden State Boulevard Corridor,” Buddy Mendes said.

Other funding came from state grants and support from the Federal Transit Administration.

The Fresno County Rural Transit Agency serves as a lifeline for rural communities by offering public transit that connects passengers both within their hometowns and to destinations across the county.

Its new facility consolidates operations, maintenance, and administrative functions in a single location that services a fleet of 122 electric, natural gas, and fossil-fuel vehicles. The site’s features include in-ground charging for electric vehicles, a battery energy storage system, solar bus ports with chargers, and a solar field.

“By converting to zero-emission vehicles for public transit operators by 2040, it only makes sense to fund projects that make our transition easier and cost-effective, especially in our rural areas – our rural areas that are the heart and soul of our Valley and put food on America’s dinner table every night,” said U.S. Rep. Jim Costa.

During his remarks, Mendes called for support of the extension of Fresno County’s half-cent sales tax, which will go before voters next year.

“We do need a Measure C renewal,” he said. “Everybody has to get on the road. These buses have to get on the road. So, if you don’t have good roads, you can have all this other great stuff, but it isn’t going to do you any good if you can’t get anywhere.”

After several local dignitaries spoke in praise of the new facility and Mayor Cardenas, the Fresno Chamber of Commerce welcomed public servants, business leaders, the Cardenas family, and community members to celebrate the grand opening with a ribbon cutting.

The Chamber, which serves members throughout Fresno County, was proud to participate in this historic milestone.

For more updates on Fresno County development and business initiatives, stay connected with the Fresno Chamber of Commerce.