Adam RollinsThe city of West University Place has developed a plan of action to invest $502.3 million over the next decade into critical capital projects. Drainage infrastructure will be the city’s primary focus, accounting for approximately 62% of the 2025-2034 Capital Improvement Plan’s (CIP) total budget.
The CIP separated its funding into six categories, creating an actionable framework for the city’s upcoming capital improvement efforts. The project types receiving support in the plan include:
- Drainage – $312.5 million.
- Water – $67.2 million.
- Streets – $59.1 million.
- Facilities and technology – $45.2 million.
- Wastewater – $17.6 million.
- Parks – $622,000.
While drainage projects make up the largest portion of the CIP, work won’t begin in earnest until 2027. The city plans to prioritize water and facilities and technology projects during fiscal years 2025 and 2026, dedicating $32.6 million and $17 million respectively. More than half of the budget will be spent over the next four years, totaling up to $369.8 million.
The West Side Drainage Improvements project accounts for half of the 10-year budget, carrying a $252.8 million cost. Plans call for building a storm sewer trunk line, improving internal storm sewers, paving roadways and replacing waterlines across select city streets. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
The CIP allocates $11.4 million to improve the Milton Water Plant. The project will build a pump and electrical building to supplement the failing plant. The building will feature four booster pumps with the potential for a future fifth. Additional work will include suction and distribution piping, a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) panel, a motor control center (MCC), an emergency generator and electrical service. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.
A total of $21 million will be dedicated to advancing street and sidewalk improvement included as part of the facility master plan in the streets category. Plans include improving the city’s right-of-way in the civic center, emphasizing pedestrian mobility. The project will incorporate traffic calming elements, enhanced crosswalks, improved streets and wider sidewalks. The city will also create additional parking and green spaces. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.
Among the included facility and technology projects, the fourth phase of the public safety building master plan project has the highest projected cost, totaling $18.2 million. The project will renovate the existing City Hall to expand the police and fire stations. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2028.
The CIP allocates all $17.6 million of the funding for wastewater projects to improve the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Efforts will center around replacing mechanical equipment, including liquid feed and dichlorination systems, headworks and a non-potable water system. The city will also rehabilitate two 75-foot-diameter clarifiers, optimize the treatment process, install sludge feed pumps and a new SCADA system.
Photo Courtesy WhisperToMe
