North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Raleigh city council has adopted a budget for the 2023 fiscal year including a five-year capital improvement program (CIP).
The FY23 CIP totals $554 million, and a total of $1.95 billion over the next five years.
Over $7.8 million was dedicated to a variety of programs. One‐time funding is also being utilized for several projects identified in the FY2022‐2023 CIP process including the 2017 Transportation Bond Program Gaps ($17.7 million), major bridge inspections, neighborhood traffic calming, and pedestrian and bicycle improvements ($5.5 million), and $500,000 for the Vision Zero Spot Safety program.
Also, funding was approved for building system improvements ($1.5 million), public safety maintenance ($1.4 million), planning and feasibility studies ($800,000), continued funding of the Building Upfit Grant ($900,000), Public Project Community Support Fund ($1.5 million) and to support an institution fiber refresh ($900,0000).
Finally, the FY2023‐2027 CIP includes funds for additional public safety facilities including design and land acquisition for the Police Evidence Building ($10 million) and design of Fire Station #1 and Administration Building ($5 million).
“Raleigh has risen beyond the crises that divided us and challenged us over the last two years,” Marchell Adams-David, city manager, said in a letter to council. “I firmly believe that the proposed budget supports both our community and its diverse people.
“It represents my desire to be fair, honest, transparent, compassionate, responsive, and prompt in our service delivery. Many of my goals for the organization are contained within this budget proposal that I respectfully submit for your consideration.”
FY23 begins July 1, 2022 and ends on June 30, 2023 and includes capital investments in affordable housing, street resurfacing, and parks maintenance. Each of these areas has $7.8 million dedicated. This represents a $117 million commitment to these three areas during the next five years.
Housing affordability was identified by staff as a top priority for the next fiscal year.
“If we are to create a Raleigh for all, we must ensure that everyone who works, plays and learns in Raleigh is afforded an opportunity to live in Raleigh,” xx wrote in his report to council. His recommendation to create a new staff position to implement Affordable Housing Bond was approved.
The FY2023 budget also includes funding to support additional licenses of eBuilder, an enterprise project management and delivery software to enhance service delivery in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Also included in the budget:
- $177 million to decrease biosolids and significantly reduce the transportation cost of solids removal and capture biogas to power as many as 50 buses per day.
- The Stormwater program will add positions to provide critical oversight of developable land to ensure that new projects meet high standards for stormwater runoff – ensuring smart growth
- Additional staff will be hired to support implementation of the Wake Transit Plan through FY2030