Suffolk plans to invest more than $534 million over the next five years on a wide swath of infrastructure and equipment needs. Over 10 years, the investment is projected to surpass $2 billion.
The numbers are reflected in the city’s new capital improvements program and plan, which City Council approved this week.
The document serves as a roadmap for infrastructure projects the city hopes to tackle in the next decade. It’s updated annually, and subject to change as needs arise.
About $402 million is slated for general government projects, of which just over $241 million is projected to be on the city’s dime. The rest is a mix of federal and state funding, cash proffers from private developers and other sources.
“Public schools and public safety is a majority of our budget, public schools and public safety is also the majority of our CIP – which it should be,” said Mayor Mike Duman.
Public Schools
- $96 million is earmarked for the next five years: The bulk is planned to replace Elephant's Fork Elementary School, which will be 50 years old in 2029. The new school will serve 800 students. Cost estimates surpass $61 million. Work is projected to start in 2027 and finish in 2030.
- Replacements over the next 10 years include: Kilby Shores Elementary, also built in 1979, to be replaced by 2035 at a cost of more than $70 million; a new Nansemond Parkway Elementary School, more than $56 million; Forest Glen Middle School, more than $84 million. John Yeates Middle School, replaced by 2036 at a cost surpassing $87 million.
Public Safety
- $46 million in upgrades in the next five years. The largest slice is expected to replace aging vehicles for Suffolk Fire & Rescue, amounting to more than $19 million. Two new fire engines are budgeted in 2026 at $2.8 million.
- $13 million through 2027 will replace SFD Station No. 4 on Lake Kilby Road, built in 1958 as Nansemond County Fire Station No. 2. Nearly $4 million will modernize Kings Highway Station No. 9 and Bennett’s Pasture Station No. 10 by 2030. Over 10 years, the city plans to construct station buildings at Nansemond and Wilroy Road, Carolina Road and Pruden Boulevard at a cost surpassing $36 million.
Transportation
- About $38 million is planned for roadway upgrades through 2030. When including all revenue sources, transportation infrastructure is expected to be the largest area of investment amounting to $190 million.
- The largest project is the Route 460 road improvement surpassing $32 million. The project will widen the road from the Route 58 bypass to Kings Fork Road, install a median, construct sidewalks and close drainage systems; $30 million is covered by state money awarded in 2024 and another $2.1 million is coming from the developer of the Port 460 project. The $32 million pays for designing and acquiring the right-of-way for the work. Finance Director Charles Meek said he anticipates Suffolk will get $77 million more in state dollars to fund construction in 2030.
Public Buildings and Facilities
- About $21 million. $9.6 million will be used for electrical, plumbing and HVAC projects. $3.4 million will upgrade HVAC units at the North Suffolk Public Library in 2026. More than $3 million will repurpose the Morgan Library after the new Downtown Library is completed.
- $350,000 in 2027 will be spent on a feasibility study for a two-level downtown parking garage. No location has been selected but cost estimates are more than $11 million, which is included as a project in the capital plan vision after 2030.
Parks and Recreation
- About $20 million for parks and trails. $4 million is earmarked for maintenance at existing and new parks and recreation facilities through 2030, with another $4 million planned through 2035; maintenance includes lighting improvements, restrooms, drainage needs, adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act and replacing two boat ramps at Bennett’s Creek Park.
- More than $3 million will improve access to the Nansemond River including the design and construction of roads, parking and a boat ramp at the former Brady’s Marina on Godwin Boulevard. $1.9 million has already been spent.
- $7.7 million of state and federal funds will extend the Seaboard Coastline Trail between Nansemond River High School and Pine Tree Way. The extension completes the connection between Downtown Suffolk and Chesapeake.
Village and Neighborhood Initiatives
- About $18 million for the five-year capital plan. The bulk is planned for implementing the Downtown Master Plan, about $9.6 million; it will include streetscape and gateway improvements, public art and mural projects, redevelopment of the Phoenix Bank and SunTrust Bank buildings and other property purchases.
- $1.4 million per year is planned for projects such as closing drainage ditches, notably in Rosemont. Another $250,000 per year will be set aside for other open space improvements.
Utilities
- Accounted separately from other government projects, $101 million through 2030 will be used on public utility upgrades. The city will use its public utilities fund with $45 million from cash reserves.
- Expansion of the city’s water treatment plant and water source development amounts to more than $41 million, including groundwater permit renewals, evaluation of Suffolk’s wells and rehabilitation of the Reids Ferry well.
- Over 10 years, the city plans to expand its water distribution and transmission systems, replace aging water meters and service lines, and improve drainage in Whaleyville, Holland and the flood-prone Oakland village. Sanitary sewer systems will be extended into developed areas that rely on septic tanks.
