A significant development is underway in Goshen, California, as Valley Fuel has officially broken ground on a seven-acre travel plaza. Located on Betty Drive, east of Highway 99 and capitalizing on the newly completed freeway interchange, the Valley Fuel Travel Plaza is poised to become a major economic driver for Tulare County and a convenient stop for travelers.
“We’re excited to begin construction on this new development here in Tulare County,” stated Lucky Thandi, President of Valley Fuel. “This Valley Fuel Travel Plaza will feature a comprehensive truck stop, a Chevron branded gas station, and we are planning to include at least two major food chain franchises to serve the needs of both truckers and the wider community.”
The groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, March 11th marked the official commencement of the Valley Fuel Travel Plaza project. County officials, local Goshen residents, and individuals who have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition since 2014 attended the event held on the newly cleared site.
Driving Revenue for Tulare County
Upon completion, the Valley Fuel Travel Plaza is projected to be a substantial new source of tax revenue for Tulare County. This economic boost is welcomed by county officials who see the development as a key benefit of the Betty Drive Interchange.
“I think it’s a fantastic project, truly great for the county and especially for the community of Goshen,” commented Tulare County Supervisor Amy Shuklian. “The new Betty Drive Interchange is designed to improve access to Visalia and the industrial park, and this Valley Fuel Travel Plaza is a perfect complement to that infrastructure.”
Supervisor Shuklian further emphasized the broader benefits, stating, “It’s always positive to increase the county’s financial resources. The increased sales tax and the enhanced parcel value contribute directly to the county’s coffers. These funds are essential for public safety and a wide range of vital projects that benefit everyone in Tulare County.”
Creating Opportunities in Goshen
Supervisor Eddie Valero, representing the Goshen area on the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, lauded the Valley Fuel Travel Plaza for its potential to bring new opportunities, resources, and growth to the local area.
“This establishment will play a crucial role in the continued development and prosperity of the Goshen community,” Supervisor Valero affirmed.
Local Goshen resident Melinda Matheny expressed her gratitude for Valley Fuel and the Thandi family’s investment in her community. She sees the construction of the Valley Fuel Travel Plaza as a positive sign for future development in the area.
“I’m really excited about this. We’ve really been lacking access to basic amenities in this part of Goshen,” Matheny explained. “Currently, we have to drive all the way into Visalia or Hanford for everyday necessities, which is quite a distance when you need simple things.”
Matheny believes the Valley Fuel Travel Plaza could even contribute to lowering the cost of living for Goshen residents. “Having more options locally, especially with competitive gas prices, will be a huge benefit,” she said. “Hopefully, we won’t have to pay significantly more for fuel compared to prices within the bigger towns.”
Adding to the growing convenience in Goshen, a Dollar General store has recently opened, and plans are in place for an AM/PM convenience market and gas station across the street from the future Valley Fuel Travel Plaza site.
A Traveler’s Oasis on Highway 99
Lucky Thandi detailed the extensive services that the Valley Fuel Travel Plaza will offer, specifically catering to the needs of long-haul commercial drivers, as well as all travelers.
“Our vision is to create a comprehensive stop,” Thandi explained. “We are planning for at least a sandwich shop and a coffee shop to provide food options. Crucially for truckers, we will also have a mechanic shop, a tire shop catering to large trucks, and a scale for weighing big rigs. Fleet fueling, with multiple fuel types, and a truck wash are also key components of the Valley Fuel Travel Plaza.”
Image alt text: Groundbreaking ceremony at the Valley Fuel Travel Plaza site in Goshen, California, with officials and community members present.
The scale of the project has expanded considerably since its initial proposal in 2014, reflecting the growing need for such a facility in the region.
“This project has been a significant undertaking,” noted Aaron Bock, Planning Director for Tulare County. “It’s evolved into a much more complex development than initially envisioned, which speaks to its importance and potential impact.”
Upon completion, the Valley Fuel Travel Plaza will encompass the entire seven-acre site, creating a substantial business campus.
“We anticipate having at least three major buildings on site,” Thandi elaborated. “One building will range from 11,000 to 15,000 square feet, another between 7,000 and 8,000 square feet, and a third around 6,000 square feet. Our aim is to create a complete setup serving both north and southbound traffic on Highway 99. We want to address virtually all the needs that truckers might have, including showers and any other amenities we can realistically incorporate into the Valley Fuel Travel Plaza.”
New Jobs for the Local Economy
The Goshen location will mark Valley Fuel’s second truck stop venture.
“This will be our second location, with our first, smaller truck stop located in Tipton,” Thandi mentioned. “This Valley Fuel Travel Plaza in Goshen is a significantly larger development, and we are managing the entire project internally, ensuring quality and efficiency.”
Image alt text: Lucky Thandi, President of Valley Fuel, addresses attendees at the Valley Fuel Travel Plaza groundbreaking event, outlining the project’s vision.
The Valley Fuel Travel Plaza is expected to generate between 45 and 50 full-time and part-time jobs for the Goshen area, further contributing to the local economy.
Thandi anticipates that construction will be completed within a six to eight-month timeframe. “We are aiming for a maximum of eight months from this point,” he concluded. “That’s our target for opening the Valley Fuel Travel Plaza.”
Image alt text: An aerial perspective of the Valley Fuel Travel Plaza construction site in Goshen, California, showcasing the cleared land ready for development near Highway 99.
