DETROIT – 
The Public Lighting Authority of Detroit marked the beginning of the installation of new Light Emitting Diode (LED) streetlights in the city on Wednesday.
"Today marks a milestone in providing modern, reliable public lighting for the citizens of Detroit," said Mayor Mike Duggan.
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PLA Executive Director Odis Jones said the installation of the first LED lights shows that the PLA board is determined to provide the citizens of Detroit with the lighting they deserve.
East side and west side demonstration areas will be first to get the new streetlights. Construction in the two areas are scheduled to be completed by the end of May. The PLA will take responsibility for maintaining the lights in the area. They have set a goal to fix any broken light within five days of it being reported.
In January, the PLA Board voted to switch to LED lamps as it rebuilds the city's street-lighting system and accelerate the pace of installation with a goal of completing all neighborhoods by the end of 2015.
The cost of LED lighting has been steadily going down. Jones said research has shown the LED lights provide brighter and more cost-efficient light and will better serve the Detroit community.
Detroit has struggled to maintain working street lights in many neighborhoods due to budget cuts and thieves.
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