SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve payment to Duke Energy of Florida to replace overhead power lines with new underground distribution lines and facilities on Myrtle Avenue from Cleveland St. to Court St. in the amount of $671,431.56 and authorize appropriate officials to execute same.
Body
SUMMARY:
This undergrounding project is in alignment with the Downtown Community Redevelopment Area Plan, reinforcing the CRA and City’s commitment to improving the public realm, enhancing street aesthetics, and creating a more pedestrian-friendly urban environment. By removing the visual clutter of overhead power lines and relocating them underground, this project will contribute to a cleaner, more attractive streetscape, encourage private investment, and strengthen downtown as the urban core and economic hub of Clearwater.
Supporting the City’s new City Hall (22-0019-EN), MSB Renovation (23-0035-EN), and PSTA’s Multimodal Transit Center, this undergrounding effort along Myrtle Avenue from Cleveland Street to Court Street will provide long-term benefits, including:
• Aesthetic enhancements that contribute to a more visually cohesive downtown.
• Improved pedestrian accessibility and safety by reducing obstructions along sidewalks.
• Increased property values and economic vitality by creating a more inviting and walkable environment.
• Greater resiliency and reliability of the electrical grid compared to overhead power lines.
The proposed undergrounding spans approximately four blocks, with a total cost of $671,431.56, based on Duke Energy’s February 15, 2025, binding estimate. Public Works will present a companion item to City Council, including the Duke Underground Conversion Agreement (UCA) and Utility Reimbursement Agreement (URA), to facilitate the undergrounding process. The City and PSTA will oversee restoration of the adjacent right-of-way (ROW) and coordinate with joint users to remove private telecom lines from Duke’s power poles once the power lines are removed.
The CRA has allocated $1 million in funds to cover the undergrounding costs, including joint users and restoration efforts. The City and PSTA will grant Duke easements for necessary switchgear and transformers, with underground power lines directionally drilled in the ROW. Duke anticipates a seven-month construction duration following permit approvals.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds for this are in CRA capital project 3887552-R2005, Infrastructure-City.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Investment in undergrounding of overhead power lines in the downtown core supports all five of the strategic priorities below.
