Wilmington staff outline priority capital projects, warn of a funding gap and seek council direction

WILMINGTON — Staff used the May 15 budget work session to highlight a portfolio of priority capital projects the city wants to complete in the next two years, from riverfront bulkhead repairs to transportation-bond intersections and trail segments, and told council a multi-million-dollar funding gap remains without the recommended FY27 revenue package.

Key projects and status: Staff said the C.F.C. bulkhead and adjacent Riverwalk work is under design and is a high-priority EDA-eligible grant target; the Front Street bridge rehabilitation contract has been awarded and a pre-construction meeting is scheduled; the Pinerove/Greenville Loop roundabout and trail Section 4 are close to ready for bid once utility relocation is completed, and the city is seeking to re-bid the Pinerove North intersection project after prior bids came in high.

Grant leverage and constraints: City staff are pursuing federal and state grants (EDA, EDA-related waterfront packages and transportation grants) but cautioned that many grant programs limit contingency funding and require local match. City Manager Becky Hog said staff had also reallocated prior bond proceeds in earlier years to balance budgets, which leaves some projects short of full funding today.

Funding gap and council choices: The FY27 recommended budget ties capital completion to the proposed 5.75¢ rate and to grant outcomes; staff presented a funding gap table showing remaining needs for the principal projects and asked council to indicate priorities so staff can sequence design, bidding and pursuit of outside funds.

Next steps: Staff will return with refined cost estimates, grant applications already in progress and a recommended sequencing plan for projects should the council approve either the full proposed revenue package or staged alternatives. Several council members stressed that downtown waterfront repairs and traffic-safety projects should be prioritized due to safety risks and tourism impacts.

No formal vote was taken; staff requested time to complete outstanding design and grant applications and to provide updated cost estimates before the council finalizes the FY27 capital plan.