Overhead lines are ugly and dangerous. They impair our visual experience of our vistas, cities, roadways, waterways and scenic corridors in Missouri. Although there has been progress and demand for underground utilities, miles of overhead utility lines remain to be undergrounded. The most common reason for undergrounding has been for aesthetic purposes; however, there are many benefits resulting from converting unsightly overhead power lines with underground ones. Several benefits of underground utilities include:
- Improved reliability
- Improved safety
- Reduced storm outage potential and vulnerability
- Produces aesthetic impact and visual quality
- Encourages attractive streetscapes initiatives
- Encourages a health and active lifestyle for pedestrians
- Reduces maintenance
- Allows street trees to be planted and to grow their natural canopy
- Lessens the risk to both humans and wildlife
- Enhanced property values
- Encourages and supports economic development
Photo: Keith Myers, Kansas City Star article
Missouri Resources for Underground Conversions
City of Independence: http://www.ci.independence.mo.us/pl/OutOfSight
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