(Des Moines)– A bill that would make it nearly impossible for municipalities to start up their own utilities has survived the Iowa Legislature’s funnel deadline. State Senator David Johnson of Ocheyedan says the measure passed the Senate Commerce Committee earlier this week. He isn’t sure what the bill’s fate might be. The measure was introduced by Mediacom. Lakes area cities and Dickinson county are closely monitoring it. They’re looking at conducting a feasibility study into starting up a municipal-type telecommunications system that would offer cable television, high speed internet and telephone service.
Another bill being closely followed by local officials that’s also still alive would result in the jurisdiction of some highways being transferred from the state to local cities and the county. Johnson says that bill didn’t have to meet the funnel deadline since it’s an appropriations bill. Those bills are immune from the deadline.
The measure would result in the jurisdiction of highways 276, 327, old Highway 71 in the Maywood area and Highway 86 south of Highway nine being transferred to cities through which they pass and the county.
