SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : Stonehill Extension Tops Capital Projects

The Stonehill Drive extension, a storm-drain project and a new traffic signal highlight what city officials called a “trimmed” capital-improvement budget for 1991-92.

The City Council this week approved a priority list of $4.2 million in capital improvements for the current fiscal year and more than $17 million in projects for the next seven years, but few of the programs have a realistic chance of being funded in the next 12 months, according to William M. Huber, director of engineering and building.

“Because of the tight money, we really have a strict program this year,” Huber said. “The Stonehill project is tying up much of our funds.”

That project, which will link Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano by a bridge over San Juan Creek, is expected to be completed by early next year. Nearly $469,000 in city funds has been allocated for the project for the current year, with another $306,809 set aside for next year, according to a city report.

Other projects that Huber indicated would have a good chance of being funded this fiscal year include a new storm drain in the vicinity of Aguacate Road and Sacarama Lane and a traffic signal at the intersection of Rancho Viejo and Village roads. The two projects are expected to cost $90,000 and $300,000 respectively, Huber said.

Two railroad projects are among several others that will receive outside funding, Huber noted. The two projects include the $1.4-million design phase of the railroad realignment along Camino Capistrano at the San Juan Creek bridge and $82,000 in rail-crossing improvements at Del Obispo Street.