Zooming in
The improvements are part of a five-year improvement plan, DME engineer Mark Zimmerer said. The improvement projects require new steel towers, transmission pole foundation construction and repairs to electrical infrastructure from storms and extreme weather.
City documents show that the projects will happen at the Underwood substation at Underwood Road and FM 2449, as well as near East and West Loop 288. Denton External Affairs Administrator Stuart Birdseye said the projects are still under development, and work locations have not been finalized.
By the numbers
Four of the 25 projects will be reimbursed by the Texas Municipal Power Agency, and the Texas Department of Transportation will reimburse the city for six of the 25 projects. Of the remaining 15 DME projects, about 90% of the cost will be reimbursed through the Public Utility Commission of Texas, Zimmerer said at a Dec. 15 public utilities board meeting.
City officials also approved roughly $22 million to purchase 50 high voltage circuit breakers as part of the DME’s five-year improvement plan. City documents state the TMPA will cover the cost for the new circuit breakers.
Looking ahead
Birdseye said the projects are still under development and no final locations have been chosen. The projects will appear before council for approval in future meetings.
