Thursday, October 1, 2026
Thurston County’s draft 2026–31 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), a six-year investment projects plan mandated under the state of Washington's Growth Management Act will be the subject of a public hearing on Aug. 6.
The Thurston County Planning Commission will take testimony on the draft with $267 million in projects proposed for county-owned and/or operated parks, solid waste, stormwater, transportation, water and sewer, and government facilities to keep services aligned with population growth, the county said in announcing the hearing.
The public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Thurston County Atrium Building, with an option for online participation through the county’s web page.
The county will accept written comments until noon on Aug. 6 via an online form.
According to the Community Planning & Economic Development Department, the CIP forms Appendix G of the Comprehensive Plan, and guides capital priorities without authorizing expenditures. The plan is updated every two years and assumes various budget sources, such as grants, real estate excise taxes, impact fees and bonds.
The draft program forecasts $227,144,381 in expenditures over six years and lists revenue sources totaling $267,091,161, including $91,719,731 in future bonds.
About 36% of planned spending ($83,401,520) covers general county government facilities, such as the Thurston County Courthouse, countywide solar energy installation, and the Mottman Complex Ballot Processing Center.
Transportation projects account for 28% of costs at $63,616,124, while solid waste upgrades total $42,212,237, or 19%
Parks projects will be up at $10,245,500, stormwater improvements at $17,275,000, and water and sewer systems at $10,359,000.
Real estate excise taxes are expected to provide $29,025,600, while solid waste fees contribute $33,212,237. Federal and state grants, local impact fees and future bond financing make up the balance.
The planning commission is considering CIP updates as part of the Thurston County Comprehensive Plan update, known as Thurston 2045, according to the county.
The public will be able to share input on how well the proposed capital plan addresses infrastructure and service demands. Following review and revisions, the plan will go to the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners for adoption later this year.
For the draft plan and instructions for virtual participation, the public is encouraged to visit Thurston County Planning Commission’s web page.
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