About the Proposed Project
Following a storm event that causes damage to power lines, utility companies must navigate through streets and yards covered with ice or tree debris, delaying repairs and restoration of service.  The damage can be compounded by loss of power as residents and businesses are challenged to manage extreme heat or cold, operate health care equipment, maintain refrigeration for food, or work from home.  From 1996 to 2010, there were 23 high wind events recorded in Johnson County with wind speeds of over 44 mph.  The August 10, 2020 derecho caused power outages that went unrepaired for multiple days as repair crews struggled to navigate through streets covered with debris, narrow side yards, and fenced or landscaped back yards to reach power lines in rear yards.  This is difficult during winter storms, as well, when snow and ice make access equally challenging. 

By relocating the lines to front yards and below ground, the lines would be less vulnerable to severe storms, winter storms, and tornadoes, and utility reliability would be improved for over 9,000 Coralville residents.  The City is seeking funds through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, with assistance from Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management to complete this project.  If successful, the grant, along with the City’s contribution, is expected to cover 100% of construction costs.    

How to Watch
If you cannot attend in person, you can watch the event live, or stream video of the presentation later.

Watch Live:

• Watch live online (January 17 at 5:15 pm)
• Watch live on CoralVision TV -- Mediacom cable channel 5 / 118-8 digital in Coralville (January 17 at 5:15 pm)

View Later:

• Rebroadcast on CoralVision TV -- Mediacom cable channel 5 / 118-8 digital in Coralville (available approx. 48 hours post-event)
• Watch the meeting online any time