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Council greenlights subapplication for undergrounding telecom lines in Palisades burn area
Summary
Council approved submitting a hazard‑mitigation subapplication seeking federal funds to trench and underground telecommunications infrastructure in multiple Palisades neighborhoods; staff said the $4.25M estimate covers telecom only and the city would refine local-match options if awarded.
The Malibu City Council agreed Sept. 8 to let staff submit a FEMA hazard‑mitigation subapplication to underground above‑ground telecommunications lines in neighborhoods impacted by the Palisades fire.
Public Works staff described the project as trenching and installing conduits to move telecom lines — Frontier, Crown Castle, Verizon — underground across Big Rock, Las Flores, Rambla Pacifico, Rambla Vista and Carbon Canyon, with the work including fiber infrastructure to residents. Staff estimated the telecom portion at approximately $4.25 million and said Edison’s infrastructure had already been undergrounded in the Palisades, reducing the overall cost.
Councilmembers asked pointed questions about whether the city’s commitment in a submittal letter obligates Malibu to pay the full local match if FEMA awards a large amount. Staff and a grant expert said the commitment letter is a competitive placeholder and can be re‑refined after awards are announced; the city can withdraw prior to final acceptance. Options for funding the local match discussed included assessment districts, telecom company contributions and other sources. Councilmembers asked staff to return with a clearer plan for the local match if the city advances in the competitive award process.
