Eau Claire City Council Approves 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan

The Eau Claire City Council voted to approve its five year capital improvement plan on Tuesday, which includes $258 million of area projects.

According to the City’s overview of the plan, the main focus of the capital projects will be on maintaining, repairing and renovating existing City assets like roads, parks, and water infrastructure. The plan also calls for larger infrastructure projects, like the demolition and construction of new parking in the downtown Eau Claire area.

The overview also listed some of the projects that will not be covered under this capital improvement plan, but city officials still plan on exploring in future years. Those projects include things like the Half Moon Beach bathhouse replacement, further land acquisitions, brush site relocation, and Rod and Gun Park Road resurfacing.

The approved plan outlines the long-term strategy for what the City of Eau Claire is looking to accomplish over the coming years. Those strategies include supporting economic development and inclusive housing options, providing safe and accessible infrastructure, optimizing the City’s organizational potential, and increasing community engagement.

The expenditure summary of the five year plan shows an expected total of a little over $50 million for projects in 2025.

According to a WEAU report, City of Eau Claire Finance Director Kitzie Winters says not every project is guaranteed the funding set aside in the capital improvement plan, as the City may need to shift priorities on short notice. Winters referenced the City’s need to react quickly to PFAS contamination as an example of how emergencies can redirect their priorities for funding.