Palm Beach’s utility burial program faces $13 million shortfall

by William Kelly
Communications Coordinator

Inflation is expected to drive the cost of burying all overhead utility lines on the island upward by about $13 million, town officials say.

An existing $2 million shortfall to meet construction costs is expected to grow by $11 million once bids are returned for the final three phases of the work, according to a town estimate.

The town plans to cover the escalating costs by digging deeper into annual surpluses generated by the lucrative Town Marina. The marina, which reopened in November 2021 following a $38 million renovation, is expected to earn $15.5 million with total expenses of $2.9 million during the budget year that ends Sept. 30.  
Continue Reading