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Newport Beach unveils $95M seven‑year capital plan; council hears updates on docks, roads and police station planning
Summary
Public Works presented a seven‑year CIP totaling $95 million for FY 2026–27 (about $47.8M new funding plus $47.3M rebudget), highlighting dock replacements, major pavement rehabilitation and water‑system projects; council discussed right‑of‑way acquisitions and confirmed CEQA/design funding for the Civic Center police station site.
Public Works Director Dave Webb and Deputy Director Jim Houlihan presented the draft seven‑year Capital Improvement Program to the City Council on May 26, describing a $95 million program for the coming year composed of $47.8 million in new CIP funding and $47.3 million in rebudgeted appropriations from prior years.
Webb and Houlihan listed 69 projects, grouped into eight categories with streets and drainage, parks/harbors/beaches, and water among the largest categories. Key projects highlighted for near‑term activity include McArthur Boulevard pavement rehabilitation (bid awarded), the Balboa Yacht Basin dock replacement (in Coastal Commission review with construction expected in the spring following permits), Bonita Creek Athletic Field turf replacement, and several pier maintenance cycles.
Houlihan described transportation and pedestrian safety projects, including intersection improvements at Del Mar and a pedestrian crossing enhancement at Orchid, work on East Bluff Drive design with potential fall 2027 construction, and plans to order six new trolleys for expanded Peninsula service. The water program includes new wells and a pipeline project scheduled to begin in 2027 with completion anticipated in 2028.
Council members asked about the Old Newport Boulevard/West Coast Highway intersection and coordination with Caltrans. Staff said the city must secure property and encroachment permits, and that the city is leading design and pursuing state and OCTA grants. Council member Grant pressed staff about the police station planning budget and whether funds in the CIP are limited to the Civic Center site; staff confirmed current direction funds CEQA and concept work only for the Civic Center site and that any additional site studies would come back to council for direction.
Public commenters praised outreach on Corona Del Mar improvements and urged scrutiny of Civic Center police station work; others urged engagement on tidelands matters and Harbor Commission discussions. Webb said CIP project details and maps are available on the city’s public works webpages and that staff will return with final CIP adoption at the June meeting.
