FALLS CITY, Neb. – In a move aimed at strengthening the reliability and future-readiness of its power infrastructure, the Falls City Council on Monday evening approved a grant agreement for the City Electrical Grid and Modernization Project—a major step forward for the city's utility system.
The council unanimously authorized execution of a grant agreement totaling up to $850,000, with the city contributing just over $301,000 in matching funds. The project focuses on replacing the city's aging 5kV system with a more advanced 13.8kV structure, a shift expected to significantly improve the grid’s reliability and performance.
According to city officials, the modernization plan includes:
- Installation of approximately 1,500 feet of underground cabling,
- Replacement of the current 50-year-old wooden structure with modern components,
- Advanced monitoring technology for real-time grid oversight, and
- Training programs to ensure the utility workforce is prepared to operate and maintain the upgraded system.
The upgrades are especially critical to ensuring continuous service for essential facilities, including emergency services and public infrastructure.
In another key item, the Council approved an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Nebraska City for the joint purchase and sharing of electric generating parts, with a total cost of $65,000—$32,500 of which will be covered by Falls City.
City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum also reported progress on rebuilding the city’s line crew, which experienced a significant personnel loss earlier this spring when six members resigned. As of Monday, three new hires have been made, including one journeyman lineworker.