Bids on Metronet project are "very favorable"

Decorah School District officials are pleased with the bids opened to construct the Metronet--a system of fiber optic cables that will connect local governments and non-profit groups.

The engineering estimate for the project was $680,000.  A base bid submitted by Voltmer Electric of Decorah came in at $589,450.  A second bid, from TelCom Construction of Clearwater, Minnesota, came in at $621,938, but with lower costs for several alternates.

Metronet board members will discuss the bids at a meeting next week, with a decision expected in January.