Public Works outlines CIP, lists 13 capital projects and flags out-year funding uncertainty

Public Works Director Eric Martinez presented the department's proposed fiscal 2026 capital improvement plan Tuesday, outlining 13 near-term projects across streets, trails, facilities and airports and highlighting funding sources, grant applications and program timelines.

Why it matters: The CIP determines which infrastructure projects move forward in the near term and how the county allocates limited capital dollars; Martinez warned that out-year project capacity will depend on grant success, debt schedules and available general-fund transfers.

Key items and program structure

Martinez described a program-based budgeting approach that groups projects into nine divisions and funds them from both the general fund and enterprise funds (airport, transit, environmental services). Notable projects and items in FY26 include: - White Rock Visitor Center: completion of site improvements and addition of food-truck pads. - Trinity Drive safety improvements and Canyon Rim Trail phase 3: transportation projects with significant design and grant activity. - Airport: new fuel-farm operations are moving into the FY26 operating budget to account for aviation fuel purchases and sales. - Community Services: ice rink reconstruction (new chiller already scheduled), playground and trailhead improvements. - A proposed $1 million sustainability allocation to allow departments to use sustainable options for routine maintenance or upgrades.

Grants, carryovers and out-year planning

Martinez and finance staff said many large CIP items are grant-funded or rely on outside-sourced federal and state grants, particularly in transit and engineering. Councilors pressed for clarity on out-year projections: the proposed CIP shows a substantial drop in programmed capital spending beginning in FY27. Staff explained the drop reflects a conservative approach to out-year commitments and the fact that many projects are still funded in existing multi-year allocations (carryovers) rather than newly programmed work.

Stormwater/M.S.4 budget option

Public Works included a budget option to fund consultant work for an initial stormwater management plan in response to a possible Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (M.S.4) designation. County attorneys and staff said a federal notice of potential designation was received and the county responded; the designation did not include an implementation timeline. Martinez said the county intends to document its existing stormwater activities and prepare a plan in case the designation proceeds.

Next steps and council direction

Councilors asked for periodic updates on grant status, tariff and construction-cost impacts and a clearer projection of how the county will cover capital needs if grants or anticipated revenues do not materialize. Martinez said staff will continue project-level budget management, pursue grant funding and return with updates as projects progress.

Provenance: Martinez's CIP presentation and council questions ran from the public works presentation start to the budget-motion roll call.

Ending: The council tentatively approved the public works proposed budget and the M.S.4 planning option; many capital projects will advance only as grants, carryovers and available capital are confirmed.