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Mount Vernon adopts 2026–2031 Capital Improvement Plan, ordinances approve projects including Fire Station No.1
Summary
The Mount Vernon City Council approved the six‑year 2026–2031 Capital Improvement Plan (ordinance 39‑20) after an open-record public hearing. The plan lists roughly $129.6 million in projects across utilities, transportation, parks and public safety; the council approved the ordinance by unanimous vote.
The Mount Vernon City Council on Oct. 8 adopted the city’s 2026–2031 Capital Improvements Plan, approving ordinance 39-20 after a second open‑record public hearing and council discussion.
City staff described the CIP as a six‑year planning tool required by the Washington State Growth Management Act that lays out projected investments in public safety, utilities, transportation, parks, facilities and technology. “The CIP is required under the Washington State Growth Management Act, GMA, as part of the comprehensive plan,” a staff presenter told the council during the hearing.
The presentation to council said the plan programs roughly $129.6 million in total investment over the six‑year period (as presented to council). Staff highlighted major projects by department and estimated costs, including wastewater separation work ($750,000 over six years), a bar‑screen upgrade at the wastewater plant ($550,000), LaVenture Road widening ($502,800), North Tenth/Warren Street crosswalk improvements ($381,000), Park Street pump station upgrades (presented as roughly $6 million), Carpenter Creek/Hickox Road culvert replacement ($5.1 million) and Fire Station No. 1 construction (presented with a six‑year estimate of $35 million).
Council members and staff noted that the CIP is a planning and financial‑planning document (not the annual budget) and that several projects are contingent on securing funding. Staff repeatedly flagged funding as a condition for specific projects; for example, the Park Street pump station was described as “funding pending.” The memo also listed about $48 million in projects that were removed or completed since the last CIP, and roughly $8 million in newly added projects.
The plan was presented as having met required procedural steps: CEPA notice and public notice, 60‑day submission to the Department of Commerce, and planning commission review on Sept. 16. Following the hearing, Councilmember Mary Hudson moved to adopt ordinance 39-20; Councilmember Melissa Beaton seconded. The council voted aye with no recorded opposition and adopted ordinance 39-20.
The adopted CIP provides a framework to inform future annual budgets and capital funding applications; staff said departments will continue to refine cost estimates and seek grants and other funding sources as appropriate. The ordinance takes effect immediately upon adoption per council action.
