Governor: More underground power lines not a cure-all

Published: Updated:

FORT MYERS, Fla. The idea of placing more power lines underground is a topic for discussion, Gov. Rick Scott said Wednesday.

But it’s an idea that needs more vetting, the governor said in a press briefing after meeting with emergency management officials in Lee County. Part of the problem is the cost.

“And in flooding, if you look at the flooding in Bonita right now, the power lines underground don’t do well in floods,” Scott said. “If it’s flooded you gotta wait for that water to run off.”

The governor also spoke with the officials, including mayors from across the area, about a drop in tourism and a spike in the Zika virus danger. An outbreak of mosquitoes is expected.

“So far, we haven’t had any active transmissions of Zika in the state, but we have a lot of standing water,” Scott said. “It’s not gonna run off any time soon — do everything you can do to get rid of standing water around you. Wear bug repellent, wear long sleeves, anything you can do.”

The governor spent time earlier Wednesday with emergency officials in the Florida Keys and acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.