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MidAmerican pays $44,000 for 'public perception' assessment as part of nuclear power feasibility study

on Wed, 12/21/2011 - 21:17   by Editor

MidAmerican Energy paid $44,000 for "public perception" research as part of its 3-year, $15-million study on the feasibility of building a nuclear power plant in Iowa.

The assessment bill from Des Moines advertising/public relations firm Flynn Wright, Inc. was among the $2.3 million in expenses MidAmerican Energy charged to Iowa customers in the first year of the feasibility study.

Davenport, Bettendorf taking steps to address sewage plant overflows

on Wed, 12/14/2011 - 22:43   by Editor

Davenport recently approved a $1.3-million engineering contract to plan sewage system improvements aimed at alleviating overcapacity at its treatment plant and the discharge of partially treated sewage into the Mississippi River.

Meanwhile, Bettendorf -- one-quarter owner of the Davenport treatment plant -- is eyeing a four-year 49 percent overall sewer rate hike to fund its share of the plant upgrade and pay for a new sewer interceptor and lift-station for future development of the I-80/Middle Road corridor.

Muscatine citizens group wants IDNR head recused on GPC issues

on Tue, 12/13/2011 - 23:29   by Editor

A Muscatine citizens group has asked Gov. Terry Branstad to recuse Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Roger Lande from handling any issues related to Grain Processing Corporation (GPC).

The group, Clean Air Muscatine (CLAM), believes Lande has a conflict of interest because he was a partner in a Muscatine law firm which represented GPC prior to being named IDNR director in 2010.

Lee Enterprises files for voluntary bankruptcy, seeks to finalize debt refinancing deal

on Tue, 12/13/2011 - 23:00   by Editor

As it announced a week ago, Lee Enterprises -- owner of the Quad City Times and Muscatine Journal -- filed Monday (12/12) for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in order to complete the refinancing of its nearly $1 billion debt.

The company said last week it would file the "prepackaged" bankruptcy after failing to obtain the consent of 6 percent of its lenders to the refinancing deal.

New I-74 bridge/corridor work could reach $1.4 billion

on Sat, 12/10/2011 - 01:36   by Editor

The pricetag for the new Interstate 74 bridge and corridor improvements may escalate to $1.4 billion -- more than double the projected cost in 2004 -- before the work is completed.

During the presentation to the Bettendorf City Council last week, Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) officials said the overall bridge/corridor work currently is estimated at $767 million, but by 2015 the cost is expected to increase to $1 billion.

Adding in inflation and a contingency amount for unanticipated cost increases between 2015 and when the work is actually completed, the total price for the bridge and highway upgrades could reach $1.4 billion, the IDOT said.

CLICK HERE to view the Iowa Department of Transportation slideshow presentation to Bettendorf City Council December 6, 2011.

MidAmerican Energy seeking new approach to boost electric rates

on Thu, 12/08/2011 - 21:36   by Editor

MidAmerican Energy wants to boost electric rates, and is proposing a first-ever "environmental compliance" adjustment clause to reflect those costs on customers' electric bills.

The privately owned utility says it plans to seek approval for an overall 3.5 percent rate increase in February 2012. Interim rates could be in place by March.

Rather than file a general rate case, the utility has outlined in filings with the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) that it wants to add two automatic adjustment clauses for "environmental compliance" and "coal and coal transportation" costs.

Isle of Capri, Inc. loses $1.5 million in 2nd quarter, admissions decline 5% at Bettendorf casino

on Tue, 12/06/2011 - 01:47   by Editor

Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. lost $1.5 million in its second quarter ended October 23, while admissions at its Bettendorf casino were off nearly 5 percent for the quarter compared to a year ago.

Second quarter revenues for the Isle corporation were $247.5 million, up from $246.7 million for the same period last year. However, increased expenses resulted in the loss of 4 cents per share. A year ago, the Isle lost 3 cents per share ($1 million) during the second quarter.

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