Island County adopted its six‑year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Clean Water Utility program for 2026–2031 by resolution C 43 25 at the Sept. 16 meeting. James Sylvester, assistant director for Public Works, presented the combined CIP, which includes department CIPs and the previously adopted TIP, and stated the 2026 portion totals about $23.16 million.

Speakers during public comment and commissioners raised the Freeland wastewater study and the need for more actionable steps. Dean Enel called the Freeland sewer study professional but said it lacked an action plan and recommended the county identify grant sources, contacts and pilot technologies (he mentioned membrane systems) and advise which county department should lead implementation. Assistant Director Sylvester and commissioners said the county is seeking state and federal funding for multiple pilot projects and would pursue options to address septage and innovative decentralized systems.

Commissioners also discussed parks and facilities items embedded in the CIP: funding for Camano pickleball courts (noted as a public‑private partnership with county site control and preliminary design budgeted), Rhododendron Park campground host and playground funding (the playground budget was pushed back because of site constraints), and Mutiny Bay planning in 2027.

The board approved the CIP after a public hearing and closing comments. Commissioners asked staff to continue pursuing pilot funding for Freeland wastewater solutions and to report back as proposals are developed.

Ending: The CIP adoption formalizes county capital priorities for 2026–2031; staff will pursue grant funding for Freeland wastewater pilots and advanced planning for parks and facilities projects while further project specifics will come back to the board.