Newport Beach lays out $95M CIP priorities including harbor and road projects

Public Works Director Dave Webb and Deputy Director/City Engineer Jim Houlihan presented a draft seven-year Capital Improvement Program and a list of projects proposed for the coming fiscal year.

Webb said the CIP is a planning document that funds next-year projects while proposing funding for future years. Staff described approximately $95 million in CIP funding for next year, including $47.8 million in new funding and $47.3 million in rebudgeted appropriations from prior years. Key projects highlighted included the Balboa Yacht Basin dock replacement, Fire Station 1 and Balboa Library construction activities already underway, MacArthur Boulevard pavement rehabilitation, Bonita Creek Athletic Field turf replacement, and water-well and pipeline work slated for completion in 2028.

Houlihan emphasized project sequencing, permitting constraints and coordination with outside agencies, noting specific work with Caltrans and property owners on the Old Newport Boulevard/West Coast Highway intersection and encroachment permits. He also said six new trolleys for the peninsula were ordered and are due next spring.

Council members asked detailed questions about right-of-way acquisition, Caltrans coordination, crosswalk and signal improvements in Corona Del Mar and Via Lido, and how new housing overlays could affect future siting. Webb said acquisition and coordination are ongoing and that the city will take necessary steps with state and regional partners before construction.

Staff said the CIP draft will be returned for final adoption at the council’s June meeting. No vote to adopt the CIP took place at the study session.