Planning Commission discusses preliminary capital facilities plan

OLYMPIA –– City officials talked about the 2021-26 capital facilities plan in a Tuesday night meeting this week, which outlines goals city officials have for various efforts in Olympia.

“One of the requirements for the CPF (capital facilities plan) is to have an inventory of the existing capital facilities owned by public entities,” said Nanci Lien, the city finance director. 

Lien said this version of the plan included additions of new sections like the Fire and Home Fund and deduction of debt service.

“The public interest has increased with the response to homelessness and that’s why we have included that this year,” said Lien while explaining the home fund addition. The city’s comprehensive plan will be paid for by revenue sources like a cable TV tax, federal grants, a gas tax, general facilities charges, impact fees, a utility tax, grants and federal and state taxes. The CFP is a multi-year plan of specific capital projects, including anticipated beginning and completion dates, estimated costs, and proposed methods of financing. Development of projects under parks and recreation, transportation, drinking water, wastewater, storm and surface water, fire, and projects from other groups, like the Olympia School District, are a vital part of this plan. Over the six years of the CFP, investments will total over $192 million. For the first year of the six-year financial plan, it will total over $29.3 million. 

Parks, arts and recreation projects included in the plan have an estimated expenditure of $4.4 million and aim to improve Grass Lake Nature Park Trail, and have Yauger Park Backstop replacements, among other things. Transportation projects are expected to cost $7.36 million several roads. 

The total cost for water-related projects will $9.42 million. The stormwater utility’s mission is to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and protect and enhance aquatic habit in Olympia. The wastewater utility’s mission is to collect and convey wastewater to treatment facilities in a manner that protects the health of both the public and the environment. 

In an effort to address homelessness in the city, the capital facilities plan includes a budget line for a $902,000 housing project, which will see the fire department house 60 new shelter beds and new supportive apartment units on the recent property purchased in the 2000 block of Martin Way to combat homelessness in Olympia.