Tamara L. Young, PhD, Public Information Director
This time, the Mayor and I sat down to share the latest on the underground utilities conversion project. We appreciate everyone’s patience with the stretch of Hwy. 98 being worked on presently!
TY: Our underground utilities project kicked off in November. This will not only be terrific for resiliency in storms, but also, aesthetically, it’s much more pleasing without extra overhead wires. What all area encompasses Phase 1, which is the current work being done?
BW: Phase 1 covers Hwy. 98 in our Harbor District and Town Center area, stretching from the Marler Bridge to Airport Road. We prioritized this section because of its critical role during hurricanes. Undergrounding here helps first responders and utility crews work more efficiently, facing fewer roadblocks and safety hazards. This means residents can regain access faster and begin recovery. As we’ve seen from other Florida communities this hurricane season, every day counts for recovery.
TY: The contractor said the biggest challenge, like other underground conversion projects, has been site layout and locating existing infrastructure. They did a great job limiting impacts on the sidewalks, working in short, intermittent sections. They even had sections temporarily stabilized with compacted millings so that they could be utilized by pedestrians during our city’s Christmas parade. Have you been pleased with the work so far?
BW: I’ve been very pleased with the contractor’s hands-on approach. My expectations are high, especially after how long it took the state to expand Hwy. 98 on the east side of town. Unlike that five-year ordeal, we’re planning to finish this project in just 18 months, with minimal impact on traffic and businesses. So far, they’re doing an excellent job meeting those expectations as they were able to underground 1,800 linear feet in the first week!
TY: Phase 1 is expected to take about 18 months total. What are your thoughts in getting Phase 2 a reality and where would it encompass?
BW: My goal is to finish Phase 1 during my first term and begin undergrounding all of West Destin. This is the logical next step after Hwy. 98 and aligns with making Destin a model for storm resiliency and beautification across Florida. Of course, this depends on budget and grant opportunities. I plan to advocate in Tallahassee for state matching funds and build partnerships with regional stakeholders to secure the necessary resources. We can’t keep rebuilding the grid the same way after every storm. For example, FPL is requesting a $1 billion hurricane damage bailout this season alone. Instead, those funds could help coastal communities like ours invest in infrastructure that’s built for the future, reducing costs and risks long-term.
TY: Some people are getting FPL work being conducted, for instance around Fudpucker’s, confused with our city’s undergrounding project. We’ve shared that those particular new poles near the restaurant are part of the FPL transmission line improvements, and that those are never undergrounded as the cost is excessive. Anything to add to help with clarification of the different projects?
BW: It’s definitely a bit confusing to see both projects happening at the same time. The reality is that burying high-voltage transmission lines requires extensive trenching, which increases costs by up to five times. That’s why these lines remain above ground. FPL is covering the cost of their improvements while the city funds the undergrounding project. The upside is that the new poles and additional lines provide redundancy, helping keep the power even if one line fails.
Views: 0
