The Marshall Municipal Utilities Board of Public Works approved motions to begin two projects related to electric distribution during its meeting on Thursday, March 2.

The board first discussed an action item to convert overhead single-phase lines in walkway easements to underground. Electric Distribution Director Doug Root says these lines are difficult to access, cost more to maintain than overhead lines on the street, and are a major tree-trimming burden. Converting them to underground would lower future maintenance costs, eliminate tree-trimming burdens, and increase reliability.

The board approved a motion begin the project. The budget is set at $150,000. The area of focus this year will be between North Drive and South Drive, as well as the easements between South Drive and Morrow Street.

In other news, the board approved a motion to request proposals for inspection of approximately 2,000 in service poles. MMU has 6,548 poles in its system. The 2023 inspection cycle will inspect 2,000 in-service wood poles to identify poles that no longer meet strength requirements.