Vernal City and Uintah County officials are continuing their efforts to make the best decision regarding the street lighting on West Main Street and Aggie Blvd. Reports were provided during the October City/County meeting as officials hope they are getting closer to a clear direction moving forward. The system includes 196 street lights that break down to 126 on County property and 70 on City property. The system cost $785,378 dollars to install. The monthly cost continues to be over $47 dollars per light each month paid to Rocky Mountain Power for maintenance and power. The cost to disconnect half the lights, which is one of the options being considered, is estimated at $1500 dollars but the disconnected lights will still cost the city and county over $44 a month for the Rocky Mountain Power maintenance charge. The cost to remove the poles to avoid this maintenance charge is around $700 dollars per pole, adding up to an estimated cost of $68,600 dollars to remove half of the lights. The cost recovery time on this amount is 14.6 months. Finally, officials have learned that while Rocky Mountain Power is searching for a workable LED bulb replacement for the current poles, there is not yet an effective option available. There is also not yet an effective shield on the market to help with the dark sky initiative and shield light pollution for the current style of street light. If officials want to pursue this option, a new shield would need to be designed and built. Officials continue to gather information and explore their options moving forward.
