The Des Moines City Council has approved the sale of $6.205 million in bonds to fund marina capital improvements and another $3.515 million in bonds to fund transportation capital improvements.

Prior to their action, finance director Paula Henderson told council members the bonds have a "true interest cost" of 4.47 percent. "What we used in our financial model was about 4.94 percent, so this represents a cost savings for the city," she said.''

Sale of the marina bonds will fund upgrades outlined in a revised master plan so the facility can maintain a competitive advantage in attracting moorage tenants and guests, as well as enhancements to facilities used by the non-boating public, according to staffers.

These improvements include replacement of the bulkhead with the addition of raised concrete sidewalks, pedestrian amenities and new landscaped areas, reconstruction of restrooms, power and water system upgrades, and reconfiguration of the parking areas.

Transportation capital projects, authorized by the city's comprehensive transportation plan, may include new street improvements and repairs to existing infrastructure including bridges owned by the city.