West University Place will spend approximately $373 million on capital projects through 2036.
What it means
West U officials presented their annual Capital Improvement Program on June 8, a plan that shows what projects the city will prioritize, schedule and fund over the next decade. However, only one year of projects is funded during the budgeting process.
“The one thing we like to make sure that everybody understands is [that] it is a planning document,” West U Finance Director Marie Kalka said. “You're not committing to anything in this document, as far as funding, as far as even projects, until it shows up in the budget.”
The details
The program includes projects such as drainage, facilities and technology, parks, streets, water and wastewater.
Some projects are ongoing, like the Poor Farm Ditch, which city officials estimate will cost $325,000 in 2027. Other drainage projects are:
- West side drainage improvements: $224.9 million
- Off-site detention: $26 million
- Buffalo Speedway existing storm sewer lining: $9 million
The city is also expected to take on $1.8 million in park improvements that include lighting improvements, play structure upgrades and Helen’s, Liberty Hill and Friends parks improvements.
More details
Street projects will cost an estimated $39.7 million through 2036, which will include traffic signal system improvements, pedestrian enhancements and several reconstruction projects.
Sidewalk improvements will receive annual funding under the plan, at $100,000 through 2036, except in 2027, where an estimated $120,000 is budgeted.
The second-largest funded part of the program is water, which is an estimated $47 million and includes cast-iron water line replacements.
Moving forward
After receiving feedback from council, Kalka said they will continue to refine the program during the budget process and finalize the plan during the fiscal year 2027 budget planning.
The city’s annual budget runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.
