The City of Minot has $880 million in capital expenses on a multi-year project list, but not all could come to pass.

“There’s a huge need in capital projects over time,” City Engineer Lance Meyer told the Minot City Council Monday, May 4. “We’re aware that all of that can’t be funded within the next five years, but we have to show it to demonstrate that there is a need for some of these projects, and we have to work with the phasing and timing of those to fit our budget.”

The council adopted a five-year Capital Improvement Plan that includes 2027 projects carrying a total pricetag of about $200 million.

The 2027 projects include police station renovation, airport runway work and snow removal equipment replacement, Third Street Bridge repairs, 16th Street Southwest interchange rehabilitation, Third Street East and Central Avenue reconstruction, traffic signal replacements, citywide bridge rehabilitations, 27th Street Northeast rail overpass, watermain replacements and about $153 million in flood protection work. Although included in the plan, a new water and sewer building is being reconsidered as a less expensive renovation.

“The majority of the funds that go into the Capital Improvement plan come from federal and state funds and also a large portion of our sales tax, which is dedicated toward flood control and other large capital projects,” Meyer said. The city also has been using reserve funds for water and sewer improvements, he said.

During a public hearing held on the spending plan, city council candidate Joan Hawbaker questioned the more than $1 million programmed for a sidewalk on the north side of Rosehill Memorial Park cemetery.

“I’ve lived for 20 years one block north of the Rosehill cemetery. It is not a high pedestrian area,” she said. Although she no longer lives in that area, she said it is unlikely foot traffic has changed.

“I don’t see that, that is necessary, especially not for over a million dollars,” Hawbaker said. “That’s a million dollars that could go toward 21st Avenue or the Third Street Bridge or any of the other many projects that we need to do.”

Minot resident Tom Warsocki spoke of his concern related to the inclusion of around $660 million for the flood protection project.

“I’m concerned that $600-plus million will be $900 million or a billion dollars because, as we see, everything we’ve done for flood control has been way over budget. So, it’s a concern of mine and all the citizens that are paying for this,” Warsocki said.

Council member Lisa Olson noted the Capital Improvements Plan lists potential projects but funding isn’t guaranteed.

“That’ll be part of the budget process,” she said. “The words that people are saying, I think everyone took to heart, but just because it’s in there doesn’t mean it necessarily will get funded.”