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Council approves pilot to install fiber conduit with East Central Interceptor Sewer project
Summary
The council approved a pilot plan to install fiber‑optic conduit during sewer construction work, authorizing initial funding and directing a technical team to report back; the measure aims to leverage sewer projects to expand city connectivity and create a potential revenue stream.
The City Council approved a motion to pilot installation of fiber‑optic conduit alongside sewer construction projects, beginning with the East Central Interceptor Sewer (ECIS) project, and directed the information technology and public works departments to form a technical team to plan further installations.
Grant Lorscheider of the Bureau of Sanitation told the council the proposal seeks to take advantage of planned sewer construction to install empty conduit at marginal incremental cost. The administration said the ECIS pilot covers approximately 11 miles and is mandated for completion by a state deadline; the bureau cited a conservative revenue estimate of up to $4 million per year from leasing conduit and an optimistic figure of up to $20 million if all conduits were filled by private operators. The council approved the motion (vote announced as "10 ayes").
Councilmembers who spoke in favor described the plan as an opportunity to modernize city infrastructure, reduce the need to dig repeatedly, and create new revenue and economic‑development opportunities. Members also asked for technical and financial detail: which sewer projects are best suited for conduit installation, the estimated incremental cost for each project, and how revenues would be recouped. The council directed the technology and sanitation staff to convene a planning and technical team and to report to the Information Technology and General Services Committee within 30 days with recommendations and cost estimates.
Mayor's office officials were described as briefed and supportive. Councilmembers noted coordination opportunities with the Department of Water and Power and asked that the pilot be used to develop a broader policy for future sewer and street projects.
The council recorded the vote as 10 ayes and approved the item forthwith; staff will return with technical analysis, cost estimates and an implementation plan.
