The following list is far from exhaustive, with many projects combining funding types.
You definitely hope that the construction of roads and other infrastructure is over. No one enjoys the delays and noise inconveniences associated with these projects, but we all enjoy the results. I would like to update some of the current and future infrastructure projects discussed at the recent capital improvement retreat.
The city maintains a multi-year capital improvement program (CIP) to properly plan, fund, design and implement construction. Capital improvement staff will work closely with staff across the organization to coordinate these large projects with regular maintenance to ensure that budgets are properly implemented, monitored, reporting requirements are maintained, and the city communicates with the public and that each project communicates with the smallest possible disruption.
The following list is far from exhaustive, with many projects combining funding types. For example, one upcoming capital project is the Mile Downtown Safety and Connectivity Project, which includes improvements to the Amtrak Station platform, cross-upgrades of two highway lattice grades on Beaver and San Francisco Avenues, two pedestrian underpasses at Route 66-Rio de Flag and Florence-Walnut, and a redesigned and rebuilt Milton Road Underpass. The $69.6 million project is funded as follows: The federal government has $38 million, city funding $13.47 million, BNSF Railway $11.8 million, and Adot $3 million. Construction is expected from 2026 to 2028. The project I’m particularly excited about is Butler Avenue Complete Street, which strengthened the separate bike lanes from Milton to Saw Mill, Saw Mill, Beaver, San Francisco intersections (bicycle and pedestrian safety), and the Humphrey road intersections. The $12 million project will be paid through $9.6 million federal grants and $2.4 million state grants. Construction is expected from 2026-2027.
The city has 14 active capital grants totaling $120 million, including road improvements, flood mitigation, water line repairs, water regeneration backup generators and airport removal equipment storage buildings. The city’s general fund CIP includes installing fiber throughout the community, building a steam centre on Sunnyside, designing a new fire station, new chillers at the J-Live Center and improving the civic cemetery. The Library Fund pays for the library’s exchange window, a general operating bond fund will purchase land acquisitions from Futs and Open Space, and Prop 442 bonds will fund the city’s public housing redevelopment.
The Highway User Revenue Fund pays for sidewalk repairs, annual street maintenance, and improved transport. Improvements to the street and transport program include dark sky lighting, la Plaza Vieha traffic calming, Futs Asphalt Repair, safe routes to school improvements, Futs Trail Construction, sidewalk infill program and bike lane stripes. BBB’s revenue helps pay to replace some of the city hall lawns. Public Art – Lonely Tree Elevated Overpass, Heritage Square Toilet Replacement, Reconstruction of Ponderosa Park, Haljensen Recreation Centre, Cheshire Park Athletics, Continent Regional Park Design, and New HVAC at Canyon Foot Connection. Water Services has many planning projects, including sewer lines replacement, flood mitigation in Meadlane, roof replacement of wastewater plants, improved drainage, replacement of drainage and backup power projects.
Construction is inconvenient, but improving traffic flow, rail crossing safety, improving water infrastructure, connecting new parks and Futs, adding new fire stations, improving flood mitigation, increasing energy efficiency, and bike lanes are valuable. The city is grateful for the funds for the state and federal grants we received, and as mentioned above, most of the important projects that we all rely on would not be possible without them. FBN
Read the CIP 5 Years summary, review the staff’s March 27th Capital Retreat presentation online, or watch the retreat video on the city’s YouTube channel.
By Becky Duggett
Becky Duggett is the mayor of Flagstaff.
