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City presents five-year capital improvement plan totaling about $301 million; council sets ordinance reading for Sept. 9
Summary
City administration delivered a public hearing on a five-year Capital Improvement Plan covering 144 projects and roughly $301.4 million, with water and sewer projects making up the largest share. Council was told about committed funding, unfunded needs, and plans for quarterly reporting beginning in 2026.
Director Tina Campbell presented Lancaster's five-year capital improvement plan on Aug. 26, outlining proposed projects from 2026 through 2030 that the administration said are necessary to maintain city infrastructure.
"This 5 year plan includes 144 projects within these funds for a total of approximately $301,400,000," Director Tina Campbell said, noting the plan covers the general fund, stormwater, water and sewer enterprise funds.
The administration told council the largest share of costs is in the water and sewer funds — roughly two-thirds of the plan — because those utilities rely on major infrastructure. The presentation broke projects into six categories, with parks, public works administration and streets comprising the general fund projects, and water and sewer work in the enterprise funds.
Funding and reporting: The administration identified about $50.6–$51.7 million in committed bond funding and noted that roughly 53% of the plan would need future debt financing, likely through PennVEST loan programs or bond issues. Officials said the plan includes committed grant awards where applicable and a category for "unfunded" items that will be pursued for grants or debt as the timeline advances.
The administration also committed to quarterly reports beginning in 2026 that will update council on project status, annual operating costs for newly completed facilities, and amortization costs as additional debt is incurred.
Arts and project detail: During the hearing a comment about an arts element in the Water Street infrastructure project was addressed. Director Steve Campbell said the arts component would be modest and estimated the total cost for sculptural and related elements at roughly $12,000 to $40,000, far smaller than the large public art project cited by the commenter.
Process and next steps: City staff told council that an ordinance for first reading to adopt the capital budget will be presented at the Sept. 9 regular meeting. The administration emphasized that more precise funding estimates and sources will be provided as projects approach their start dates and that the capital plan will evolve.
The presentation and the public hearing fulfill requirements in the city's Home Rule Charter for annual capital planning and transparent review with council.
