Project Would Move Wires Underground

A five-year, $45.2-million plan for moving overhead utility lines underground in various areas of Anaheim will be considered today by the City Council.

There will also be a council workshop to discuss details of the utility conversion proposal, which was endorsed earlier this month by the city Public Utilities Board.

Fifteen underground projects are identified in the new plan, including one in the Anaheim Resort Area that would be carried out in conjunction with the widening of the Santa Ana Freeway.

Other scheduled projects include those in Orange Avenue, State College Boulevard, Western Avenue, Lincoln Avenue and Euclid Street.

Since the city began its utility conversion program in 1990, $25.3 million has been spent to complete 11 underground projects, most recently on Nohl Ranch Road and on Romneya Drive.

The cost of moving city-owned electrical facilities underground is passed on to consumers through rates charged by the city’s Public Utilities Department.

At the current level of funding, the department estimates it will take about 50 years to convert all the overhead utilities in the city.

The workshop begins at 3 p.m., and the council meeting will be at 5 p.m.

Both will be at City Hall, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd.