Setting up power for downtown Excelsior Springs events could soon become easier as plans to install permanent electrical infrastructure move forward.

City council members recently unanimously approved a downtown electrical infrastructure project with Black & Mc-Donald at a cost not to exceed $161,882.02, along with a $55,000 transfer from funds previously allocated to the Lithia Landing stairs and walls project.

The project calls for nine permanent electrical distribution locations along Broadway Avenue, including eight 200-amp installations and one 400amp installation, with underground electrical connections.

Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP) Executive Director Lyndsey Baxter explained the improvements are intended to support downtown events such as Waterfest and the Barbecue Fly-In, which currently require temporary electrical equipment.

Baxter emphasized events have been significant catalysts for economic development downtown, saying permanent electrical infrastructure could make…