Public Hearing Held on Dairyland Power Easement

DECORAH — The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on Monday regarding a proposed easement for Dairyland Power Cooperative to update an existing agreement for utility infrastructure improvements. Elizabeth Mueller, a Right of Way Agent for Dairyland, outlined the project to the board. "We are installing a new static wire that includes 72 strands of fiber optics [...] from just south of Decorah up to Harmony," she explained. The new wire would replace the old wire while maintaining the same protective function against lightning. The project, scheduled to run from June to December, will stretch approximately 30 miles, replacing outdated infrastructure to improve communication between substations. The updated easement is necessary because the original agreement did not account for communication technology advancements. "The old easements predate fiber optics, so we need to update them to include those rights," Mueller added. The project also allows for potential third-party use. "If we ever want to sell fiber access to a broadband provider, this easement will enable that," she noted. Board members inquired about project logistics, including installation impact and restoration efforts. "Restoration of any damage will be completed after construction is finished," Mueller assured the board. Mueller also offered a $200 administrative fee for processing the paperwork. A motion was made by Supervisor Mark Vick and seconded by Supervisor Steve Kelsay to approve the easement, which passed unanimously. Unlock a world of knowledge! Sign up for free DecorahNews.com newsletters and receive local news, local events and everything that is happening in and around Decorah.