We are thrilled to share some fantastic news! Today, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) presented the City of Hidden Hills with a $1,383,069 federal grant to support the undergrounding of high-voltage power lines in wildfire-prone areas. This critical initiative will enhance fire prevention efforts and further protect our community.
“Wildfires continue to threaten our communities, and we must take proactive measures to prevent them,” said Congressman Sherman. “This grant will provide critical funding to ensure that high-voltage power lines, which have been a known fire hazard, are placed underground, eliminating the risk of ignition and protecting lives and property.”
Why This Matters:
- Fire Prevention: Undergrounding power lines significantly reduces the risk of wildfires caused by electrical infrastructure.
- Improved Reliability: Burying high-voltage lines strengthens the electrical grid, reducing power outages, especially during extreme weather conditions.
- A Safer Hidden Hills: This project aligns with the City Council’s longstanding priority to enhance fire safety for all residents.
Mayor Larry Weber expressed his gratitude to Congressman Sherman for his continued support and emphasized the importance of securing federal and state funding to reach the City’s goal of undergrounding the approximately 420 remaining utility poles. “Hidden Hills is a unique city with no businesses and, therefore, no sales tax revenue. It is essential that we partner with state and federal agencies to fund these crucial fire safety improvements,” said Mayor Weber.
The City remains committed to taking proactive steps to protect our residents and property from wildfire risks. This grant is a major step forward in our efforts, and we will continue working with our partners to secure additional resources for fire prevention.