The United States Department of Defense’s Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) is awarding us with a $5.3 million grant to help fund an electric undergrounding project on United States Air Force Academy property.
The OLDCC grant will fund approximately 70% of the total cost to underground four miles of an overhead electric line, providing significant cost relief for customers during a time of major rate pressures. The estimated total project cost is $7.6 million.
Electric line important for system reliability and drinking water
This line provides essential electricity for both Academy operations and our two water treatment plants – Pine Valley and McCullough – located on the Academy grounds. Those water treatment plants provide drinking water to more than 70% of our water customers.
“I commend the Department of Defense for recognizing the need and the community-wide benefits of this grant,” said CEO Travas Deal. “The undergrounding project will help ensure the resiliency and security of one of our most prestigious and important military academies by reducing the risk for prolonged service outages and wildfires, as well as protecting our community’s drinking water – a transcendent win for all involved.”
Project chosen based on several factors
The four-mile overhead line was targeted for undergrounding due to its age, risk for weather-related failure and wildfires, overall impact to both the Academy and our operations, and challenging terrain that makes repairs difficult and time consuming.
Pending environmental review and permitting, the project is expected to be completed by September 2027.
