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Milton trims capital spending but advances sidewalks, trail extension and park projects
Summary
Council heard that capital improvement fund expenditures fall about $1.6 million in 2026 as grants and prior projects wind down, while staff highlighted planned sidewalk missing‑link work (20 Third, 20 Eighth, Oak Street), SR‑99 Porter Way completion, interurban trail engineering funding and Milton Community Park improvements.
Milton City Council study session — Staff told council on Oct. 13 that the Capital Improvement Fund’s 2026 expenditures are down about $1.6 million as projects initiated in 2025 advance toward completion, but several sidewalk, trail and park projects remain programmed for next year.
Interim Finance Director Robec listed completed or ongoing 2025 projects including the SR‑99 Porter Way intersection, additional Porter Way sidewalk work funded by a Washington State Transportation Improvement Board grant, and the Milton Community Park outdoor meeting venue. Robec said the park venue was “partially funded with coronavirus local fiscal recovery funds from the American Rescue Plan Act” and that a mural on the park’s water tower, funded by a Pierce County Council appropriation, was completed in 2025.
Robec said larger 2026 capital priorities include citywide parks improvements, the interurban trail extension, playground equipment, the citywide traffic calming program, miscellaneous street overlays, Porter Way sidewalk work and a city‑hall retrofit. He told council that revenue in the capital improvement fund decreased largely because Transportation Improvement Board grant funds for the Porter Way project were being drawn down and that transfers in from REIT, traffic impact fees and parks impact fees decreased by about $1.9 million combined.
Director Madden updated council on sidewalk “missing link” priorities and grant status. Madden said 20 Third and Oak Street are goals for 2026 but many missing‑link projects require right‑of‑way acquisition or negotiation with property owners and may need phasing. On the interurban trail extension, Madden said earlier ped‑safety funds were returned by WSDOT, the mayor and staff sought legislative support, and that “so you see that 755,000, that is a 100% engineering funded,” which staff said clears a prior funding shortfall for the trail’s engineering phase.
Council asked whether funds are sufficient to finish Oak Street sidewalks and parking; staff said construction estimates are pending and the project may be phased. Council Member Cedar asked staff to consider adding Nineteenth (Nineteenth and Emerald) to the missing‑link program in coordination with a potential development there; staff confirmed the development will provide frontage improvements that would connect to existing sidewalks.
Staff noted some capital work remains contingent on grant awards and development contributions and that the city may need to consider additional project management capacity in future years if revenues from the camera fund and other sources increase workload.
