York County Plans $170M for Sewer, Stormwater & Transportation Upgrades
Covering costs will likely require higher sewer rates and more borrowing
The York County Board of Supervisors moved forward with an updated 2025 Strategic Capital Plan, the County’s roadmap for future sewer, stormwater, and transportation projects. The plan outlines more than $170 million in conceptual projects meant to guide the County’s investment decisions.
While the plan sets priorities, it also highlights looming financial challenges. The Sewer Fund is projected to run deficits starting in FY2029, potentially exceeding $22 million by FY2031. The Stormwater Fund could face shortfalls beginning in FY2027, reaching about $1.5 million by FY2031. To cover these gaps, the county expects to rely on a mix of sewer rate increases, meals tax revenue, and new debt.
A Planning Tool, Not a Schedule
Officials stressed that the Strategic Capital Plan is a planning framework, not a fixed construction schedule. Projects are conceptual and subject to change based on cost, feasibility, and available funding. The plan will be revisited every three to four years, with funding decisions made during the county’s six-year CIP cycle.
Since its creation in the early 1990s, the plan has guided more than $250 million in sewer and stormwater projects. The latest update removes water projects—since York County no longer manages water service—and adds transportation for the first time.
Supervisors noted the importance of aligning staff priorities with community needs while acknowledging the financial strain ahead. Adoption of the 2025 plan marks the start of the next phase: finding the right balance of rate adjustments, tax allocations, and borrowing to ensure key projects move forward.
Sewer and wastewater
The plan lists 18 proposed sewer extension projects, including six carried over from the 2010 plan. Two large projects—Whites Faulkner and Springfield Road—are already in design as part of the current Capital Improvement Program. Altogether, sewer extensions are expected to cost about $71 million.
Funding will come from user fees, connection charges, and a portion of the county meals tax, which contributes about $2 million annually to sewer improvements. Residents currently pay a flat $27 per month, comparable to rates in Poquoson and Virginia Beach.
Stormwater management
The plan adds nine new stormwater projects, in addition to seven already underway, for a total estimated cost of $14 million. These projects aim to reduce flooding, improve drainage, and strengthen resiliency. Funding will depend on meals tax revenue and state and federal grants.
Transportation initiatives
For the first time, the plan includes transportation projects, with a focus on both safety and connectivity. Conceptual projects include 16 sidewalks, 8 crosswalks, bike lanes, and 17 vehicular improvements such as intersection upgrades. Active transportation projects alone are expected to cost about $86 million. Most transportation funding will come through a mix of county funds, state revenue-sharing programs, and federal grants.
A Williamsburg Independent contributor used AI tools and these sources:
York County - Board of Supervisors meeting - September 2, 2025 - Agenda
York County - Board of Supervisors meeting - September 2, 2025 - Video
York County - 2025 Strategic Capital Plan For Wastewater, Stormwater, and Transportation