Board approves Xcel Energy permits for gas mains on La Crosse Street and East Avenue North

At its June 22 meeting the La Crosse Board of Public Works approved two street-privilege permits allowing Xcel Energy to install new gas mains and related services on La Crosse Street and on East Avenue North.

The Board voted to approve agenda item 260679, a permit for a new gas main and services on La Crosse Street from East Avenue North to 24th Street North, after a brief exchange about the placement of the infrastructure. "The placement on La Crosse Street will be the boulevard sidewalk area and believe East Avenue, which is into the UWL campus. I believe that is in the street area," said Alex Lueck with Xcel Energy, describing the proposed alignment.

A Council member asked whether the work would disturb recently repaved sections, noting La Crosse Street is newer. Board members pressed staff for confirmation of placement but moved to approve the permit after receiving Xcel’s placement description. Council Member Goggin moved the permit; Director Gallagher seconded and the motion passed (vote tally not specified in the record).

The Board then approved a second related permit, agenda item 260680, for a new gas main and services on East Avenue North from La Crosse Street to Pine Street. That motion also was moved by Council Member Goggin, seconded by Director Gallagher, and passed (tally not specified).

The Board did not record start dates for either project during the meeting. Questions about precise paving impacts, restoration timing and contractor scheduling were raised and remain to be settled with Xcel and the contractor before work begins.

Next steps: permit approvals allow the utility to proceed with permitting and coordination; project timing, public notice and pavement restoration details were not specified in the meeting record and will be handled through staff coordination with Xcel.