Work begins on Shields Avenue as Fresno paves now and pays $100 million later

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresh surfacing is present connected its mode to streets crossed Fresno, arsenic Mayor Jerry Dyer says the metropolis is paving present and paying later.

"What it means is amended roads for Fresno, amended roads for radical that thrust connected our streets," helium said connected Tuesday.

Phase One of the Pave More Now task includes large corridors, similar parts of Shields, McKinley, and Shaw avenues. It volition past grow into Phase Two opening adjacent spring.

"I've been present for astir 25 years successful this building, and this roadworthy has conscionable been unspeakable the full time," concern proprietor Tom Machado told Action News. He said the roadwork cannot travel soon enough.

"One customer, a fewer years ago, for immoderate reason, close here, (was) trying to get into my driveway, (popped) his tire, and helium was beauteous upset. All I could archer him was, 'I'm sorry, but it wasn't my fault,'" Machado said.

Roads passim the metropolis are declining, with a bulk deemed "fair" oregon adjacent "poor."

The standing for those considered "good" is expected to driblet by astir 2 points each year.

"The longer we hold to repave streets, similar this one, the much costly it becomes," Mayor Dyer said astir Shields Avenue. "Road degradation positive ostentation causes costs to emergence dramatically."

The program comes months aft the metropolis faced a $20 cardinal fund deficit.

Action News asked the politician if present is the close clip to walk $100 million.

"We're really not spending wealth successful the information that this doesn't impact anyone's taxes," Mayor Dyer said. "This is an interior indebtedness that we utilize arsenic the City of Fresno, and it's a bond."

The metropolis is leveraging its existent enslaved rating, among the highest connected the scale.

"This is the highest our recognition standing has ever been successful the City of Fresno, which means we're capable to get wealth cheaper," Mayor Dyer said.

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