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Energy

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Orascom: ‘Defective’ work delayed Iowa fertilizer plant

Des Moines Register: The “defective work” of a Louisiana-based contractor increased the costs of and delayed a $1.9 billion fertilizer plant in southeast Iowa, according to the company constructing the plant. In response to a lawsuit …

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Des Moines-area sewage plant launches reuse program

The Des Moines-area sewage treatment plant plans to spend $19 million on a system that will pull much of the phosphorus from wastewater and turn it into fertilizer pellets to be sold to farmers, The Des …

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USDA spends $70 million on Iowa projects in early ’16

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s rural development programs have spent $70 million during the first half of the 2016 budget for 24 infrastructure projects. This funding includes $13 million to support 12 projects that will …

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Branstad eyes sales tax for water quality, joins fray as politicians blame each other for inaction

Gov. Terry Branstad told reporters Monday that he might consider approving the 3/8ths of 1 percent sales tax to fund a voter-approved conservation and recreation fund if it were offset by income tax cuts.


Lawmakers…
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Iowa cities turn to franchise fees to raise money

Cities around Iowa, including Cedar Rapids, are asking residents to pay more in fees found on natural gas and electric bills as a way of raising money to offset losses from the state’s historic property …

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Deere to lay off 100 in Davenport, Dubuque

Deere & Co. has notified 100 manufacturing employees in Dubuque and Davenport that they will be laid off effective April 1, the Quad-City Times reported. Deere said the layoffs are a result of changes in demand. In …

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Conservation Reserve Program application deadline today

More than 800 contracts encompassing nearly 22,000 acres of general Conservation Reserve Program land expire in Iowa this fall. The state is taking applications for new contracts through today. This the first time landowners have…
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WDM solar ordinance may be too restrictive, energy advocates claim

West Des Moines is considering new rules for solar panel installations – especially those at ground level – that clean energy advocates consider too restrictive, The Des Moines Register reported. The city is drafting an ordinance that …

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DNR chirps about lower Chickadee Checkoff receipts

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hoping this year’s tax filers will be more generous toward the Chickadee Checkoff after receipts fell in 2014. “It’s disheartening after a five-year positive trend to see donations …

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Water quality projects will receive low-cost loans

Eight Iowa cities will receive a total of $23.5 million in State Revolving Fund loans for water-quality projects, the Iowa Finance Authority said in a release. The loans will provide a low-cost financing option for …