In Memphis, TN, we have hideous overhead power lines running along most streets, usually with a combination of high voltage, low voltage, communication lines, a

In Memphis, TN, we have hideous overhead power lines running along most streets, usually with a combination of high voltage, low voltage, communication lines, and untold abandoned cabling. Im amazed that citizens will tolerate a very poorly maintained network of power poles vs arguing with cities and utilities to begin the admittedly long, expensive, and slow work to clean ups the more egregious and prominent locations, like along major thoroughfares. These overhead distribution networks require significant mutilation of trees (ugly) and are vulnerable to a variety of accidents including cars striking poles, trees falling on wires, squirrels exploding, etc. A city-led effort to install underground conduit duct banks could be federally funded while also allow new ISPs to come along and lease empty conduit. Thats where I would focus my grass roots efforts. In Memphis, its rumored to cost some $3B to bury all overhead power lines (estimated by the local public utility), therefore infeasible. I say, excellent, get to work on the easiest 50% of the scoop that over the next decade!