SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO-AM) Mayor Mike Huether presented his recommended $491.8 million Capital Program for 2015–2019 today. The five-year plan includes projects throughout the city that will improve infrastructure and quality of life. $93.1 million in projects are planned for 2015 to build on the momentum of accomplishments from 2014.
“I am thrilled by the progress our city has made on strengthening our infrastructure and improving our quality of life,” says Mayor Mike Huether. “The investments we have planned for 2015 and beyond will take us to even greater heights.”
Streets remain a priority, as the plan allocates $195.9 million to highways and streets. $60.1 million will be invested in arterial streets to expand the transportation system at Cliff Avenue, Sycamore Avenue, 69th Street, and 85th Street. Intersections also will be improved to keep Sioux Falls moving. $2.5 million will be invested to widen various intersections throughout the city. The plan also maintains the city’s existing infrastructure, as $34.6 million is allocated for major street reconstruction to replace the 12th Street bridge and improve Madison Street, Louise Avenue, and Minnesota Avenue. In addition, $42.7 million is planned in overlay and concrete pavement restoration across the city.
Quality-of-life projects are a focus of the plan as well. More than $42.6 million will be invested in the next five years in Parks and Recreation projects including neighborhood parks, improvements to aging parks, the bike trail system, an indoor aquatic facility, and downtown improvements.
Director of Finance Tracy Turbak stated, “The investments made by the City over the next few years will ensure a solid foundation on which our community can continue to grow and maximize on all of the positive things we have going on here in Sioux Falls.”
The full capital program is available at www.siouxfalls.org. The Mayor will present his entire 2015 budget on Thursday, July 31, 2014, at 1:30 p.m.