The Burris Park master plan, which would create an outdoor education facility at the county park, is a step closer to reality. County officials say the plans and specifications for a multi-purpose building is done and that they are ready to seek bids for construction.

On Tuesday, the Kings County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider authorizing advertising the project in late November.

A master plan for the outdoor educational program was approved by supervisors a few years ago. Once the county builds the project, the Burris Park Foundation will lease the property and share the responsibility in running and maintaining the facility.

The multi-purpose room will be built next to the existing museum, and the 2,700-square-foot wood structure will be used for indoor instruction on history, culture, agriculture and the environment. Construction is estimated to cost around $818,000, according to county officials.

Supervisors will also hold a study session to discuss the feasibility of installing traffic signals at Highway 43 and Whitley Avenue, a traffic safety measure urged by residents in Corcoran.

A study by the county public works department indicates that accidents have increased significantly in the last years.

"In the prior three years, there were 11 accidents with six occurring in the last 12 months," the staff report to supervisors states.

The installation of signals at the intersection is estimated to cost $1.2 million, but the federal government would only pay $900,000, officials say. The county must come up with $300,000, but the budget situation makes it difficult, they say.

Now supervisors are expected to explore whether to seek grant money from the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program.

The Board of Supervisors meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Board Chambers, 1400 Lacey Blvd., Hanford.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2429.

(Oct. 12, 2009)