Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Capital Projects topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission endorses draft 2026 capital improvement program, including trail work and bridge painting
Summary
The Planning Commission reviewed and endorsed the draft 2026 CIP list covering multi-year projects such as hike-bike trail segments, street resurfacing and a $1 million North Ohio Overpass painting project; commissioners asked clarifying questions about the bridge estimate and scheduling of projects across 2026–2029.
The Salina Planning Commission voted to endorse the draft 2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), a multi-year plan that lists projects for 2026 and beyond including annual hike-bike trail segments, street surfacing, park capital improvements, roundabout and intersection work and an estimated $1 million project to power-wash and recoating visible railings and specialty lighting on the North Ohio Overpass.
Staff described the CIP as Salina’s five-year budgeting tool that highlights the projects staff expects to design, fund and deliver. The 2026 list includes sales-tax-supported projects (hike-bike trail segments, street surface improvements, park capital improvements), cash-supported projects (downtown wayfinding signs, a Brookwood Trail pedestrian bridge, a traffic signal at Ninth and Ohio, and a culvert repair at Northwood and Fairdale), and property tax/debt-supported projects (design phases for roundabouts and bridge replacements). Enterprise fund projects include landfill work and airport-area water-main replacement. Staff reported the total of the 2026 projects at roughly $15 million and noted higher projected totals in 2027 because several projects’ design schedules shifted and will move into construction in that year.
Commissioner inquiries focused on the North Ohio Overpass estimate and scheduling. City Engineer Jim Kowach said the $1 million allocation covers power washing, light sanding and a new coating on visible rails and specialty lighting; the bridge deck is weathering steel and does not require full repainting under the deck. He added that containment and safety measures over the railroad drive up cost and that the paint system is expected to last about 15–20 years.
Staff also explained that items listed as "design only" (for example, the Ohio/Schilling roundabout) are in early phases that could still result in an alternative such as a signal if traffic studies recommend it. After questions and brief discussion, the commission moved, seconded and approved endorsement of the CIP list (resolution 25-02).
