CARLSBAD — With the upcoming fiscal year upon us, Carlsbad City Council has approved $73.7 million in new spending as part of the Capital Improvements budget.
“The Capital Improvement Program budget is for a lot of the physical things people see in our city, like parks, libraries and other buildings, streets and pipes,” said Helga Stover, budget manager for the City of Carlsbad. “These are usually long term projects that can span more than one budget year.”
Some of the major areas city officials plan to focus on for the 2015-16 cycle includes beach and park enhancements, traffic mitigation and expanding the city’s recycled water system.
The largest source of revenue from the city comes from developer fees and state loans, at a combined $17.9 million.
Other funding comes from special financing districts, infrastructure replacement funds set aside by the city, user fees, the state gas tax, Transnet, grants and other agencies.
Over the next fiscal year, the city plans to spend $19.9 million on parks.
The city is looking into the possibility of an outdoor adventure park, which could include a bike skills course, rope skills, zip lines and rock climbing.
A feasibility study for the adventure park will cost $122,000.
Pine Avenue Community Park will receive $10.4 million in upgrades, including a community center, a new gym, a community garden and an ornamental garden.
Aviara Community Park will receive $3.1 million in upgrades, including a new amphitheater, group picnic areas and a kitchen for cooking classes and event catering.
Improvements to Poinsettia Community Park are estimated to cost $3.9 million. A dog park will be built, along with a multi-sport arena.
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park will receive $980,000 in updates to the horse stables.
The beaches and pedestrian access is another major spending project.
About $2 million will go towards widening the bridge on Carlsbad Boulevard south of Tamarack Avenue.
Another $1.3 million will go towards installing sidewalks and safety railings on the Carlsbad Boulevard bridge that crosses the railroad tracks south of State Street.
Those traveling by car or bike will also see updates along Carlsbad Boulevard, between Cannon Road and Manzano Drive. The city is looking to spend $6 million updating that area.
With the current drought, the city is placing importance on recycled water.
They’ll spend $7.7 million to maintain and upgrade wastewater lines and equipment.
Last fiscal year, the city spent $10.9 million on the Carlsbad Water Recycling Facility.
The recycled waste water supply will nearly double, going from 4 million gallons a day to 7 million.
A routine project the city commits capital funds towards includes $3 million in resurfacing of the streets.
“The city has a pavement management program that assures its local streets are maintained on a regular cycle to ensure a good riding surface and to extend the life of the streets,” said Ray.
The public will have a chance to comment on the budget at a city council meeting June 9 at 6 p.m. at City Hall, which is located at 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive, June 11 at 6 p.m. at 1635 Faraday Ave. and June 23 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
