Altus Air Force Base News

 

Power lines moving underground

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Franklin R. Ramos
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - --  The 97th Air Mobility Wing is having their above ground power lines replaced with underground supplies. The lines being placed underground are less susceptible to weather and wildlife.

In 2010, Southwest Oklahoma suffered a severe ice storm that caused a power outage for nearly two weeks. By the time power was restored, tree trimming, facility repairs, and relocated personnel and families returning to Altus AFB had cost the wing approximately $2,319,000 in storm-related expenses.

Since then plans to move all of the base power lines, which are divided into five circuits (A, B, C, E, and F,) underground is in progress.

"The lines underground lessens the impact of wind, rain, lightning, and ice," said Bron Howard 97th Civil Engineer Squadron engineering flight chief. "It also protects birds and small mammals from coming into contact with the energized parts."

Circuit A powers lodging and has already been placed underground at a cost of 6.4 million dollars, while Circuit B powers the aircrew simulators and is estimated to be completed Oct. 3, 2014 at a cost of 6.8 million dollars.

"We are currently working a plan for all power lines to move underground. Circuit C would be the next phase to move underground," said Howard. "The CES, 97th Contracting Squadron and the Corps of Engineers will work the contract actions to start this work."

"We currently have the next two phases in the Air Education and Training Command Integrated Priority List that has been pushed to Headquarters Air Force," said Howard. "Once completed it will lessen the power interruptions across base, ensure the power security of the mission and beautify the installation."