Alliant Energy estimates it will cost $1.5 million to handle the moving of electrical wires on Locust Road

The Locust Road reconstruction project includes taking down the overhead electrical wires along the road, creating an underground conduit underneath the bike lane on the western side of the new road and reinstalling the electrical lines in that conduit.

A spokesperson for Alliant Energy says the project is expected to involve $1.5 million worth of work.

The figure is important because the cost will be covered under a franchise agreement with the City of Decorah--if the city reaches an agreement with Alliant on the terms of the agreement.  The two sides appeared very much apart during a video conference on Thursday.

At issue is the city's ability to get out of the franchise agreement if voters approve forming a municipal electric utility.  Alliant Energy is proposing that the franchise agreement must be in effect for at least five years before the City of Decorah could cancel it.  The City of Decorah could hold a second referendum in two years on establishing a municipal electric utility, so several city council members would like to see an escape clause with a shorter timetable.

City council members will meet at 5:00 p.m. Monday to continue to discuss the issue.