CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Welcome to the City of Seal Beach’s

Discover how the City of Seal Beach is shaping the future through strategic investments in infrastructure and our thriving community. The Capital Improvements Program (CIP) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents and businesses, guided by our commitment to transparency and integrity. Explore the transformative projects driving progress across our city and see how we're building a more resilient and sustainable Seal Beach.

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Highlighted Projects
Other Capital Projects
FAQs

The Capital Improvement Program is the City’s long-term planning and budgeting framework for identifying, funding, and delivering major infrastructure projects. It includes essential investments in streets, stormwater systems, public buildings, parks, and utility infrastructure. The CIP is a five-year plan and is updated annually to reflect changing priorities, funding availability, and infrastructure needs. Each project within the CIP progresses through phases such as planning, design, environmental review, permitting, construction, and close-out. The CIP functions as both a financial tool and a strategic roadmap, ensuring that critical public assets are maintained, expanded, or replaced in a coordinated and fiscally responsible manner.

What is the Capital Improvement Program (CIP)?

This webpage serves as the central hub for all information related to the City’s Capital Improvement Program. Visitors can find regularly updated information on major capital projects, including planned, active, and completed work. Each project includes key details such as scope, timeline, estimated cost, funding source, and current status. The site also provides access to adopted CIP documents, updates on construction activities, and opportunities for public engagement, including community meetings and Council hearings.

How are CIP projects selected, prioritized, and funded?

Capital projects are identified through technical assessments, master planning documents, regulatory requirements, staff recommendations, and input from residents and elected officials. Once identified, projects are evaluated based on factors such as public safety, asset condition, operational efficiency, legal mandates, and alignment with the City's strategic goals. Funding for these projects comes from a variety of sources, including the General Fund, enterprise funds, state and federal funding sources, special taxes, and development impact fees. The CIP distinguishes between fully funded projects and those awaiting funding, allowing for transparent decision-making and phased implementation as resources become available.

What information is available on this page?

HIGHLIGHTED PROJECTS

Beach Parking Lots & ADA Ramp

The 8th Street and 10th Street Parking Lot pavement has significantly deteriorated and is due for replacement. This project will involve resurfacing both lots to provide a smoother, safer, and more durable driving and parking surface.

In addition to repaving, the project will include ADA-compliant upgrades such as designated accessible parking spaces, curb ramps, and improved pathways to enhance accessibility for all users. These improvements will also strengthen connectivity between the parking lots and Eisenhower Park, making the area more accessible and user-friendly for all visitors.

  • Project No.: BP2402

    Location: 8th St. & 10th St. Beach Parking Lots/Eisenhower Park

    Project Team: David Evans and Associates, Inc. (Design) & Construction Contractor (TBD)

    Funding Source and Budget: $1,500,000 - Tidelands

    Current Status: Design

    Projected Construction Timeline: Spring 2026

  • Conceptual design alternatives were brought to City Council and the public on September 8, 2025 to allow City Council to review the proposed ADA access options between the beach parking lots and Eisenhower Park/Main Street. The City Council selected the option for providing a “switchback” type ramp system in the 10th Street parking lot that will lead directly to the pier plaza by the entrance to the pier.  

    With this information, design and the permitting process are underway for both projects (ADA upgrades and parking lot paving) with construction estimated for late spring for paving and potentially summer/fall for ADA upgrades pending necessary state permitting timeline. 

  • To request further information regarding this project, please email pwinquiries@sealbeachca.gov.

Lampson Well Head Treatment System

The Lampson Water Well produces a nuisance odor during water production, which, although not a health risk, can negatively impact the public’s perception of the water’s quality. To address the issue, the City has designed a treatment system that will treat the odor, improving the water quality perception. More importantly, the construction of the treatment system will enhance the efficiency of the water well's use, allowing for more effective operations moving forward.

  • Project No.: WT1902

    Location: Lampson Well, Lampson Ave.

    Project Team: Butier Engineer, Inc. (Construction Manager & Project Inspector), Pacific Advanced Civil Engineering, Inc. (Engineer-of-Record), and Contractor (TBD)

    Funding Source and Budget: $4,450,000 - Water Enterprise & Orange County Water District (OCWD) Producer Well Construction Loan

    Current Status: Constructability Review

    Projected Construction Timeline: TBD

  • On October 13, 2025, the City Council approved two agreements to begin a project constructability review. Butier Engineering, Inc., Pacific Advanced Civil Engineering, Inc., and City staff will collaborate to identify potential cost-saving opportunities while maintaining the quality and integrity of the project design. 

    The project is tentatively scheduled for re-advertisement on PlanetBids in January 2026.

  • To request further information regarding this project, please email pwinquiries@sealbeachca.gov.

Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority (LCWA) Watermain Lining

This project entails the relining of a segment of the existing water transmission line located within the Hellman Ranch and Los Cerritos Wetlands area. The work is aimed at addressing identified structural concerns and preserving the integrity of the pipeline to ensure long-term, reliable operation.

Relining will extend the service life of the existing infrastructure, reduce the frequency of maintenance and emergency repairs, and help prevent service disruptions. To minimize environmental impact, the project will utilize trenchless or other minimally invasive construction techniques, thereby limiting disturbance to the surrounding wetlands and sensitive ecological areas.

The construction effort is coordinated with the Southern Los Cerritos Wetlands Restoration Project led by the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority.

  • Project No.: WT2103

    Location: Los Cerritos Wetlands and Hellman Ranch (north of 1st Street @ PCH)

    Project Team: Contractor (TBD)

    Funding Source and Budget: Water Enterprise & Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

    Current Status: Design & Securing Construction Funding

    Projected Construction Timeline: Early 2026

  • Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority (LCWA) has awarded a construction contract for wetlands restoration in the vicinity of the City’s waterline. The City continues to engage in active coordination with LCWA to ensure alignment between the two concurrent projects.

  • To request further information regarding this project, please email pwinquiries@sealbeachca.gov.

Sewer Pump Station 35 Upgrades

Sewer Pump Station 35 has served as a critical component of the City’s wastewater conveyance system, facilitating the transmission of sanitary flow from the southerly service area. Over time, the station’s mechanical and electrical systems have deteriorated, resulting in reduced efficiency and increased maintenance demands.

This rehabilitation project will install an emergency by-pass system, provide a new emergency generator, inspect and reline the wet well. The scope also includes the replacement of key appurtenances such as isolation and check valves, as well as upgrades to instrumentation and control systems to enhance operational reliability and system monitoring.

  • Project No.: SS1903

    Location: Seal Beach Boulevard and Electric Avenue

    Project Team: Ardurra Group, Inc. (Project/Construction Manager) & R.I.C. Construction Co., Inc. (Contractor)

    Funding Source and Budget: $1,825,642 - Sewer Enterprise

    Current Status: Construction

    Construction Timeline: July 2025 – January 2026

  • Below is the link to the latest project update:

    September 10, 2025

  • To request further information regarding this project, please email pwinquiries@sealbeachca.gov.

  • Project No.: STO2

    Location: 1st Street between Pacific Coast Highway and Marina Drive

    Description: The Annual Local Paving Program is a recurring Capital Improvement Project aimed at preserving and extending the life of the City’s roadway infrastructure. Guided by the City's Pavement Management Report, which evaluates street conditions and prioritizes maintenance based on pavement deterioration, traffic volume, and cost-effectiveness, this project focuses on resurfacing selected local streets each year.

    Over time, roadways degrade due to vehicle traffic, weather exposure, and natural wear. Regular resurfacing enhances road safety, improves ride quality, and contributes to the overall aesthetic of neighborhoods. In addition to providing smoother and more reliable streets, this proactive maintenance approach reduces the need for costly future repairs and supports long-term asset management goals.

    Project Team: BFK Engineers (Design) & Construction Contractor (TBD)

    Budget and Funding Source: $730,000 - Gas Tax & Measure M2

    Current Status: Design

    Projected Construction Timeline: September 2026 - October 2026

  • Project No.: O-ST-1

    Location: The Cove & various locations throughout Old Town (FY 2025-26)

    Description: This annual program applies slurry seals to selected city streets as a cost-effective strategy to extend pavement life and prevent deterioration. By sealing and protecting the surface, the program helps improve street conditions, enhance safety, and reduce the need for more expensive repairs in the future.

    To ensure the most critical areas are prioritized, street selection will be guided by the current Pavement Management Plan (PMP), which evaluates pavement conditions, traffic volumes, and maintenance needs across the city.

    Project Team: Petroleum Materials Innovation, Inc.

    Budget and Funding Source: $280,862 - Measure M2

    Current Status: Design

    Projected Construction Timeline: Spring 2026

  • Project No.: O-ST-3

    Location: Seal Beach Boulevard

    Description: The Annual Arterial Street Resurfacing Program is a recurring Capital Improvement Project designed to preserve and enhance the condition of the City’s major roadways. Informed by the City's Pavement Management Report—which assesses pavement conditions and prioritizes maintenance needs—this program targets arterial streets that form the backbone of the transportation network and experience higher traffic volumes.

    As streets naturally deteriorate over time due to traffic, weather, and general wear, regular resurfacing is essential to maintaining safe and efficient travel. By focusing on the most critical segments identified in the report, the City ensures that limited resources are used effectively to extend pavement life, improve driving conditions, and reduce long-term maintenance costs. This proactive approach helps keep key corridors safe, functional, and in good condition for years to come.

    Given the anticipated cost associated with repaving Seal Beach Boulevard, the City is actively pursuing external finding sources to augment construction costs.

    Project Team: TBD

    Budget and Funding Source: $730,000 - Gas Tax & Measure M2

    Current Status: Identifying External Funding Sources

    Projected Construction Timeline: FY 2026-2027

  • Project No.: ST2501

    Location: Bridgeport

    Description: This project will repair damaged asphalt alleys throughout the city, including those in the Bridgeport area, addressing issues such as potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces. These improvements will enhance accessibility for residents and improve the overall condition of the city’s urban infrastructure. The goal is to create a safer, more efficient, and more pleasant environment for both pedestrians and vehicles. 

    The City will also partner with the former ARCO gas station remediation team to coordinate pavement rehabilitation efforts as part of their decommissioning process. 

    Project Team: Kimley-Horn (Design) & Contractor (TBD)

    Budget and Funding Source: $250,000 - General Fund

    Current Status: Design

    Projected Construction Timeline: Fall 2026

  • Project No.: SD2502

    Location: Bridgeport

    Description: In response to the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Trash Amendment, which aims to reduce trash in stormwater, the City applied for a grant to install a hydrodynamic trash separator near Galleon Way, north of Electric Avenue. This device uses cyclonic separation to remove trash and pollutants from the water before it enters the storm drain system. The installation will help improve water quality by reducing waste in local waterways, supporting the City's efforts to protect the environment and meet state regulations. The project will also contribute to cleaner, healthier water for the community.

    Project Team: BFK Engineers (Design)

    Budget and Funding Source: $603,843 - General Fund & 2024 OCTA Grant - Environmental Clean Up Tier 1

    Current Status: Design

    Projected Construction Timeline: Summer 2026

  • Project No.: BG2003

    Location: Seal Beach Pier

    Description: A facility needs assessment conducted in 2020 determined that the existing Lifeguard Headquarters and Police Substation has reached the end of its useful life. In response to this finding, and as part of the City’s 2024 Strategic Planning Meeting, the reconstruction of the facility was identified and prioritized as a critical capital improvement project.

    This project will address aging infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and enhance public safety services by providing modernized, purpose-built facilities for both lifeguard and law enforcement personnel. The reconstruction effort supports the City’s long-term commitment to maintaining essential public safety infrastructure and delivering high-quality services to the community.

    Project Team: TBD

    Budget and Funding Source: $4,441,684 - General Fund (partially funded)

    Current Status: Awaiting Funding, Preliminary Design (Scoping)

    Project Construction Timeline: 2029-2031

  • Project No.: WT2701

    Location: Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station

    Description: This project involves the rehabilitation of a 3-million-gallon water reservoir located on the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station, originally constructed in 1963. As part of the City’s ongoing water infrastructure maintenance program, this effort will address the aging protective coatings on both the interior and exterior surfaces of the reservoir to preserve structural integrity and ensure long-term performance. Periodic rehabilitation is essential to extend the useful life of the reservoir, maintain water quality standards, and support reliable water service.

    Project Team: TBD

    Budget and Funding Source: $1,800,000 - Water Enterprise

    Current Status: Condition Assessment

    Projected Construction Timeline: September 2026 - January 2027

  • Project No.: BP2502

    Location: Seal Beach Pier

    Description: Phase 1 of the project restored the concrete exterior surface of the Seal Beach Pier Concrete Abutment (also known as the Pier Base), including patching and repairing areas of cracking and spalling. A new exterior epoxy paint coating was also applied to the Pier Base. Phase 2 of the project will address the identified deficiencies based on results from a structural analysis. The project will prioritize necessary repairs to ensure the safety and integrity of the Seal Beach Pier Base, including reinforcing or repairing damaged beams, supports, or foundations. Additional measures may be taken to improve the structure's long-term durability. The goal of Phase 2 is to restore the pier's stability and extend its lifespan, ensuring it remains safe and functional for the community and visitors.

    Project Team: TYPSA, Inc. (Structural Engineer)

    Budget and Funding Source: $568,000 - Tidelands

    Current Status: Preliminary Design (Structural Analysis)

    Projected Construction Timeline: April 2026 - May 2026

  • Project No.: O-SS-2

    Location: Citywide

    Description: The Sewer Master Plan identified multiple sewer line segments with structural deficiencies, including cracks, deflections, and aging pipe sections that have reached the end of their useful life. This ongoing program addresses those issues through phased replacement and rehabilitation efforts conducted annually.

    Project Team: TBD

    Budget and Funding Source: $1,585,288 - Sewer Enterprise

    Current Status: Design

    Projected Construction Timeline: April 2026 - July 2026

Other Capital Projects

  • The City’s regular (operating) budget covers day-to-day expenses like personnel, operations, and routine maintenance. The CIP, on the other hand, focuses on long-term investments in physical assets that usually have a lifespan of more than five years and requires substantial financial outlays.

  • Consultants are selected through a qualifications-based process, where the city reviews proposals and chooses the most qualified firm based on experience and project approach.

    Construction contractors are usually selected through a public bidding process. Contracts are awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder—meaning the firm meets all requirements and offers a competitive price.

    Both processes follow City policies and State laws to ensure fairness and transparency.

  • Emergency or unplanned infrastructure needs, such as water main breaks or other structural failures, are handled outside the regular CIP process. The City responds immediately to protect public safety and prevent further damage.

    Depending on the urgency and cost, emergency repairs may be funded through contingency funds, emergency reserves, or reallocation of existing project budgets. Long-term repairs or replacements may be added to a future CIP once the immediate issue is stabilized.

  • The CIP is reviewed and updated every year as part of the City’s annual budget process. This allows the City to adjust for changing needs, new funding opportunities, or shifts in priorities.

  • The timeline for a CIP project can vary depending on the size, complexity, and type of project, but most follow a similar multi-phase process that can take anywhere from several months to multiple years.

    Here’s a general breakdown:

    1. Planning & Prioritization:
      Projects are identified, evaluated, and prioritized based on community needs, infrastructure condition, safety, and available funding.

    2. Design & Engineering:
      Once approved, the city begins detailed design work. This phase may include technical studies, public outreach, environmental reviews, and permitting.

    3. Funding & Bidding:
      After design, the city finalizes the budget and secures funding. The project is then advertised for construction bids and awarded to a contractor.

    4. Construction:
      Actual construction begins. Duration depends on project scope—repaving a street may take weeks, while building a new facility could take over a year.

    5. Completion & Closeout:
      Once construction is finished, the city inspects the work, resolves any final issues, and officially closes out the project.

  • If a project cannot proceed as planned due to funding issues, permitting delays, or other challenges, it may be rescheduled or phased in over multiple years. The CIP is designed to be flexible so that the City can respond to changing circumstances while still moving forward on important improvements.

  • Major infrastructure projects often require extensive planning, design, public engagement, permitting, and environmental review. Scheduling them years in advance helps align resources, secure funding, and avoid conflicts with other construction efforts.

  • Typical CIP projects include:

    • Street and sidewalk repairs

    • Park improvements and playground upgrades

    • Water and sewer infrastructure

    • Public building renovations (e.g., libraries, fire stations)

    • Stormwater and flood control systems

    • Traffic and safety improvements

FAQs

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