Planning Commission Adopts $533.86 Million CIP for FY2026–2035, Sends Recommendation to City Council

The Suffolk City Planning Commission voted 7-0 at its January meeting to adopt the proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2026 through 2035 and forward it to City Council. Staff presented the plan and emphasized a focus on the first five years of projects.

Charles Meeks, director of finance, said the proposed CIP totals $533,859,230 across all funds and highlighted allocations in multiple funds: the Public Utilities Fund at approximately $101.8 million; the General Government fund at about $402.5 million; the Stormwater Fund at roughly $17.3 million; the Transit Fund at $5.1 million; the Fleet Fund at about $4.2 million; and a Refuse Fund allocation of about $3 million. Meeks said the plan prioritizes completing ongoing projects, maintaining buildings and facilities, leveraging state and federal funds where feasible, enhancing residents’ quality of life, addressing regulatory requirements such as lead service lines, and maintaining local financial-policy targets.

Meeks and department representatives outlined project highlights across service areas: parks projects including Bennetts Creek boat ramp replacement (FY2026), Lone Star Lakes Park roadway improvements (FY2026), and Seaboard Coastline Trail phases; city-building renovations including HVAC replacement at the North Suffolk Library and space buildout in City Hall; public‑safety apparatus and station replacements and upgrades; transportation projects such as Godwin Boulevard improvements, Route 17 widening and the diverging‑diamond interchange at Godwin/Shoulders Hill; water‑system investments including surface water treatment plant expansion and Southern Transmission Main work; and drainage/stormwater projects across neighborhoods.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about wildfire and water-supply preparedness; a Fire Department representative described a program with the Virginia Department of Forestry to identify farm ponds and install dry hydrants and noted use of tenders and brush units in areas without hydrants. Commissioners also asked about the diverging‑diamond interchange concept and about phases for Shoulders Hill; staff explained the phase sequencing and noted funding timing and design steps.

Commissioner Hicks moved to adopt the FY2026–2035 CIP; the motion was seconded and carried 7-0. Staff said the document will be transmitted to City Council, which will schedule a public hearing and consider the plan as part of the manager’s capital budget process.