HomeMy WebLinkAboutA014 - August 11, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City CouncilITEM #:14
DATE:08-11-26
DEPT:ELEC
SUBJECT:161 KV TRANSMISSION LINE RECONSTRUCTION - IOWA DOT I-35 &
290TH STREET PROJECT
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) is carrying out highway improvements along
Interstate 35 north of Ankeny. These improvements include construction where 290th Street
crosses I-35 in Story County. The City owns a 161kV electric transmission line that is situated
on private property adjacent to IDOT right of way in this area. The IDOT construction project
will require temporary relocation of a portion of the transmission line in vicinity of 290th Street.
All costs associated with this relocation project will be reimbursed by the IDOT.
On March 24, 2026, Council approved a professional services agreement with DGR
Engineering for the design and engineering of this project in the total amount of
$239,000. The action now being requested is for the approval of plans and
specifications for the Ames Plant to NE Ankeny 161 kV Transmission Line Iowa DOT
Relocation. Staff is asking to set September 9, 2026, as the bid due date and September
22, 2026, as the date of public hearing and award of contract.
The engineer ’s estimate for the construction phase of this relocation project is $1,323,245.
Council also previously approved an engineering reimbursement agreement with IDOT in the
total amount of $383,400, which includes $291,000 for engineering services and $92,400 for
easement acquisition. The easement acquisition will be performed by the IDOT and is not
included in the City's project cost.
The current estimated total project cost is $1,562,245 including $239,000 for engineering and
the $1,323,245 as estimated construction cost. The approved FY 2026/27 Capital
Improvements Plan includes $1,500,000 under the project titled “161 kV Line Relocation.”
Because this project is 100% reimbursed by the IDOT, the CIP project will be amended
with the fall budget amendment to match the project cost.
All engineering and construction expenses for the project will be reimbursed by IDOT. A
reimbursement agreement has already been signed and is attached.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve preliminary plans and specifications for the 161 kV Transmission Line
Reconstruction - Iowa DOT I-35 & 290th Street project, and setting September 9, 2026,
as the bid due date, and September 22, 2026, as date of Public Hearing.
2. Do not approve plans and specifications at this time, which would delay the IDOT’s
project.
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CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
In order to facilitate these IDOT improvements, the City’s 161 kV transmission line must
be relocated. The relocation costs will be reimbursed by IDOT after the City designs,
bids, and constructes the work. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager
that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as stated above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Story Co - U-2026-85-001 - City of Ames - IMN-035-4(286)104--0E-85(ROW)_Signed.pdf
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3/30/2026
3/30/2026 | SA-199-2026 03 26
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TEMPORARY EASEMENT SKETCH (PROPOSED)
AMES 161 kV TRANSMISSION RELOCATION
290TH STREET IA DOT IMPROVEMENTS
[Revised: 01-27-2026]
NOTES:
1. Information is preliminary and approximate.
2. Design has not yet been completed. Dimensions and layout are preliminary pending easement and ROW availability.
3. Ames will require ability to install down guys and anchors into existing Ia DOT ROW in order to support temporary
"shoo-fly" design. Anchors are proposed to be installed approximately 40' west across existing ROW line parallel to
I-35 corridor.
4. All temp easement dimensions shown are from existing ROW line locations, overlapping existing Ames private
easement.
5. Temp easements shall include rights to ingress/egress, vegetation clearing and provisions to deal with compaction from
heavy construction equipment.
Guy anchor locations in
ROW.
Qty (4), max distance
west of PL is 40'
TEMP
EASEMENT
BOUNDARY
TEMP
EASEMENT
BOUNDARY
PAGE 1 OF 2
HEAVILY WOODED AREA
CLEAR ENTIRE TEMP
EASEMENT IN THIS
AREA.
50' LINE
OFFSET FROM
EXISTING
AMES POWER
LINE
Veg clearing entire
DOT ROW adjacent
to Temp Easement
north and south of
290th.
VEG CLEARANCE 50'
WIDTH ALONG
TRANSMISSION
ALIGNMENT
Permanent
Easement
Access Area
(Approximate)
EXHIBIT A
STORY CO - U2026-85-001 - CITY OF AMES - IMN-035-4(286)10--0E-85(ROW)8
NOTES:
1. Information is preliminary and approximate.
2. Design has not yet been completed. Dimensions and layout are preliminary pending easement and ROW availability.
3. Ames will require ability to install down guys and anchors into existing Ia DOT ROW in order to support temporary
"shoo-fly" design. Anchors are proposed to be installed approximately 40' west across existing ROW line parallel to
I-35 corridor.
4. All temp easement dimensions shown are from existing ROW line locations, overlapping existing Ames private
easement.
5. Temp easements shall include rights to ingress/egress, vegetation clearing and provisions to deal with compaction from
heavy construction equipment.
Guy anchor
locations in
ROW.
Qty (4), max
distance west of
PL is 40'
TEMP
EASEMENT
BOUNDARY
TEMPORARY EASEMENT SKETCH (PROPOSED)
AMES 161 kV TRANSMISSION RELOCATION
290TH STREET IA DOT IMPROVEMENTS
[Revised: 01-27-2026]
PAGE 2 OF 2
VEG CLEARANCE 50'
WIDTH ALONG
TRANSMISSION
ALIGNMENT
Veg clearing entire
DOT ROW adjacent
to Temp Easement
north and south of
290th.
Permanent
Easement
Access Area
(Approximate)
EXHIBIT A
STORY CO - U2026-85-001 - CITY OF AMES - IMN-035-4(286)10--0E-85(ROW)9
PROJECT BUDGET SUMMARY (ESTIMATE) - 2026 I-35 IA DOT RELOCATION PROJECT
City of Ames, Iowa
Rev: 02-20-2026
Description Preliminary Est.Notes:
239,000$
Construction Contract Total…...................................................................................................................1,323,245$
Subtotal - Construction Labor...................................................................................................................................................................................870,980$
Direct Labor 673,750$
Overhead and Indirect 197,230$
Subtotal - Materials & Supplies.............................................................................................................................................................452,265$
By Ia DOT - not included in this estimate.
By Ia DOT - not included in this estimate.
By Ia DOT - not included in this estimate.
Total - Project Estimate:1,562,245$
Estimate Notes:
- All costs are estimated per 2026 contractor pricing.
- Assumes down guys allowable in DOT ROW per preliminary sketch. If not, laminted structures will be required and add significant cost and lead time.
Vegetation Clearing and Grubbing…...........................................................................................
PROJECT COST ESTIMATES
Engineering.............................................................................................................................................................................
Property Damages (Crop Damages).....................................................................................................................................................................
Easements.............................................................................................................................................................
P:\04\194\44\Sprdsht\Project Budget - Ames 290th St I-35_Prelim Est (02-20-2026).xlsx 1 of 1
EXHIBIT B
STORY CO - U-2026-85-001 - CITY OF AMES - IMN-035-4(286)10--0E-85(ROW)10
Est #Ext Ext Labor & Extended
Unit Description of Units Labor Labor Materials Materials Materials Price
Formula Formula to be used to perform calculations U L M L+M (L+M) x U
95-H4 (LWP)Wood Pole, 95 ft. Class H4, Laminated WPE (ea.)3.000 17,300.00$ 51,900.00$ 34,600.00$ 103,800.00$ 51,900.00$ 155,700.00$
100-H2 Wood Pole, 100 ft. Class H2, Round (ea.)1.000 15,000.00$ 15,000.00$ 17,400.00$ 17,400.00$ 32,400.00$ 32,400.00$
110-H2 Wood Pole, 110 ft. Class H2, Round (ea.)2.000 15,500.00$ 31,000.00$ 18,900.00$ 37,800.00$ 34,400.00$ 68,800.00$
110-H5 Wood Pole, 110 ft. Class H5, Round (ea.)2.000 20,400.00$ 40,800.00$ 20,000.00$ 40,000.00$ 40,400.00$ 80,800.00$
TP-161 161 kV Tangent, Braced Line Post (ea.)4.000 5,100.00$ 20,400.00$ 6,600.00$ 26,400.00$ 11,700.00$ 46,800.00$
TS-4A-161 161 kV Medium Angle (ea.)2.000 5,500.00$ 11,000.00$ 5,200.00$ 10,400.00$ 10,700.00$ 21,400.00$
TS-5GLA-161 161 kV Vertical Deadend, Large Angle, Laminated Wood Pole (ea.)2.000 16,600.00$ 33,200.00$ 13,800.00$ 27,600.00$ 30,400.00$ 60,800.00$
T2-397 ACSR 161 kV Phase Conductor, T2-397.5 kcmil ACSR, (26/7) Ibis (Mft.)5.000 18,300.00$ 91,500.00$ 13,800.00$ 69,000.00$ 32,100.00$ 160,500.00$
OPGW Optical Ground Wire, 24 Fiber, Single Mode (Mft.)2.500 15,900.00$ 39,750.00$ 5,200.00$ 13,000.00$ 21,100.00$ 52,750.00$
XC-161 Transfer Existing 161 kV Conductor (Mft.)4.500 15,700.00$ 70,650.00$ 100.00$ 450.00$ 15,800.00$ 71,100.00$
XC-OPGW Transfer Existing Optical Ground Wire (Mft.)2.500 15,200.00$ 38,000.00$ 3,800.00$ 9,500.00$ 19,000.00$ 47,500.00$
D6 Screw Anchor, Transmission, Triple Helix (ea.)24.000 900.00$ 21,600.00$ 600.00$ 14,400.00$ 1,500.00$ 36,000.00$
E3-3 Insulated Down Guy, 1/2” EHS (ea.)24.000 900.00$ 21,600.00$ 600.00$ 14,400.00$ 1,500.00$ 36,000.00$
E5 Guy Rod Extension, 5' Square Shaft (ea.)48.000 400.00$ 19,200.00$ 200.00$ 9,600.00$ 600.00$ 28,800.00$
RC Remove Conductor, 1Ø , Phase or OPGW (Mft.)4.500 3,800.00$ 17,100.00$ -$ -$ 3,800.00$ 17,100.00$
RGA Remove Guy and Anchor (ea.)24.000 500.00$ 12,000.00$ -$ -$ 500.00$ 12,000.00$
RS Remove Structure (ea.)10.000 4,300.00$ 43,000.00$ 100.00$ 1,000.00$ 4,400.00$ 44,000.00$
FOS-2 Fiber Optic Storage System, Wood Pole (ea.)2.000 4,800.00$ 9,600.00$ 5,000.00$ 10,000.00$ 9,800.00$ 19,600.00$
FST Fiber Splicing and Testing (lump sum)2.000 9,100.00$ 18,200.00$ 2,200.00$ 4,400.00$ 11,300.00$ 22,600.00$
WPG Wood Pole Ground (ea.)10.000 700.00$ 7,000.00$ 200.00$ 2,000.00$ 900.00$ 9,000.00$
TC Traffic Control (lump sum)1.000 4,100.00$ 4,100.00$ 600.00$ 600.00$ 4,700.00$ 4,700.00$
T1 Mobilization (lump sum)1.000 118,100.00$ 118,100.00$ 6,500.00$ 6,500.00$ 124,600.00$ 124,600.00$
V1 Construction Allowance (required item)1.000 50,000.00$ 50,000.00$ -$ -$ 50,000.00$ 50,000.00$
Subtotals ------------------------------------------------------------------->Total Labor->673,750.00$ Total Mtrls->452,265.00$ Total OH and
Incidental->197,230.00$
TOTAL - CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT =
Notes:
- Estimate is preliminary and subject to change pending final design, contractor pricing, Q1 2026.
- 10% Contingency is included on subtotals.
- Construction Contract excludes vegetation clearing & grubbing, easement acquisition or costs, and property or crop damages.
1,323,245.00$
Overhead and Incidental
Unit Price
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE BREAKOUT - PRELIMINARY
[02-20-2026]
AMES PLANT TO NORTHEAST ANKENY 161 kV TRANSMISSION LINE RELOCATION
IOWA DOT I-35 PROJECT 2026
CITY OF AMES
AMES, IOWA
P:\04\194\44\Sprdsht\Project Budget - Ames 290th St I-35_Prelim Est (02-20-2026).xlsx BF-5
EXHIBIT B
STORY CO - U-2026-85-001 - CITY OF AMES - IMN-035-4(286)10--0E-85(ROW)11
Build America, Buy America (BABA) – Overview & Guidance | Exhibit C Page | 1
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT
Ames, Iowa
Build America, Buy America (BABA)
Overview & Guidanc e
EXHIBIT C
Form: BA1
Last updated 01-05-2026
HISTORY:
Buy America requirements originated in 1983 in the Code of Federal Regulations 23CFR 635.410. Part 1 states: “The
project either: (i) Includes no permanently incorporated steel or iron materials, or (ii) if steel or iron materials are to
be used, all manufacturing processes, including application of a coating, for these materials must occur in the United
States. Coating includes all processes which protect or enhance the value of the material to which the coating is
applied. “This applied to all projects where Federal aid is involved.
Beginning January 1, 2014, per section 1518 of MAP-21, if the project as defined by National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), has at least one authorized Federal-Aid Highway Program (FAHP) construction contract, all utility
relocations eligible for federal reimbursement utility work must meet Buy America regardless of funding source.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) introduced the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act. This
includes changes to what is defined in the bill as "Construction Materials".
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) 70914, November 2021, mandates for BABA that all iron, steel, manufactured
products, and construction materials used in projects supported by federal funds be produced in the United States.
Iowa Department of Transportation Standard Specification 1107.06 covers BABA requirements for the Iowa
Department of Transportation (department) contractor. On federal aid contracts and contracts where the
department is the contracting authority, all products of iron, steel, and construction materials, which are permanently
incorporated into the work, shall comply with the BABA and Materials I.M. 107.
Iron and Steel
• In BIL 70914 apply only to the extent that Federal agencies do not already apply a BA preference. Title 23
funded highway projects already require the use of domestic iron and steel for any iron and steel to be
permanently incorporated into the project.
• Articles, materials, or supplies that consist wholly or predominantly of iron and steel or a combination of
both. All manufacturing processes, from the initial melting state through the application of coatings,
occurred in the U.S. (Predominantly means the cost of the iron and steel content exceeds 50% of the total
cost of all its components.)
• The de minimis (minimal use) threshold in 23 CFR 635.410(b)(4) continues to apply for iron and steel. Total
cost of all foreign source items used in the contract, as delivered to the project site, is less than $2,500 or
one-tenth of 1% of the total contract amount, whichever is greater.
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Build America, Buy America (BABA) – Overview & Guidance | Exhibit C Page | 2
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT
Ames, Iowa
Manufactured Products
• Articles, materials, or supplies that have been: (i) processed into a specific form and shape; or (ii)
combined with other articles, materials, or supplies to create a product with different properties than the
individual articles, materials, or supplies.
• FHWA general waiver 48 FR 53099 (November 25, 1983) for manufactured products is no longer in effect
as of October 1, 2025.
Construction Materials
• Non-ferrous metals. All manufacturing processes, from initial smelting or melting through final shaping,
coating, and assembly, occurred in the U.S.
• Plastic and polymer-based products. All manufacturing processes, from initial combination of constituent
plastic or polymer-based inputs, or, where applicable, constituent composite materials, until the item is in its
final form, occurred in the U.S.
• Glass. All manufacturing processes, from initial batching and melting of raw materials through annealing,
cooling, and cutting, occurred in the U.S.
• Fiber optic cable (including drop cable). All manufacturing processes, from initial ribboning (if applicable),
through buffering, fiber stranding and jacketing, occurred in the U.S. All manufacturing processes also include
the standards for glass and optical fiber, but not for non-ferrous metals, plastic and polymer-based products,
or any others.
• Optical fiber. All manufacturing processes, from initial preform fabrication stage through the completion of
the draw, occurred in the U.S.
• Lumber. All manufacturing processes, from initial debarking through treatment and planing, occurred in the
U.S.
• Drywall. All manufacturing processes, from initial blending of mined or synthetic gypsum plaster and
additives through cutting and drying of sandwiched panels, occurred in the U.S.
• Engineered wood. All manufacturing processes, from initial combination of constituent materials until the
wood product is in its final form, occurred in the U.S.
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Build America, Buy America (BABA) – Overview & Guidance | Exhibit C Page | 3
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT
Ames, Iowa
What does this mean for utility relocations? Essentially, all products of iron and steel, manufactured products, and
construction materials will need to have a certification statement that states it was manufactured in the United
States of America.
APPLICABILITY:
• BABA requirements only affect products containing iron, steel, construction materials, and manufactured
products permanently incorporated into the work.
• BABA only applies to relocations of utility facilities that must move due to highway projects under certain
specific conditions as stated below.
• BABA applies if the utility relocation is eligible for reimbursement with federal funds, however in the case of
BABA few of the eligible relocations will be reimbursed. See below for eligibility criteria and reimbursement
guidance.
• BABA applies in the case where the utility relocation is included in the federal-aid contract. This can be
through an agreement with the department or a local agency.
Projects where BABA applies to utility relocations in Iowa:
There are four primary cases when BABA provisions must be applied to utility relocations in Iowa.
Case 1, Agreement work
This case involves relocation of a utility on private property (fee title or easement) in response to an Iowa
Department of Transportation (department) project where any federal funds are used within the NEPA project
boundary and where property rights require the department to reimburse the utility for relocation. This case applies
when the project is on any primary highway or freeway under the jurisdiction of the department.
Case 2, Interstate project relocation - department permitted work
This case involves relocation of any utility inside primary highway rights-of-way due to a department project on the
interstate system and any federal funds are used within the NEPA project boundary. The reason this case applies in
Iowa is because this relocation is eligible for reimbursement due to Iowa Code Section 306A.10 that states the
relocation may be paid. While the relocation of the utility facility is eligible for reimbursement, historically, the
department has not paid for such relocations.
Case 3, Interstate project relocation – city or county permitted or franchised work
This case involves relocation of any utility inside city or county right of way due to a department project on the
interstate system and any federal funds are used within the NEPA project boundary. The reason this case applies in
Iowa is because this relocation is eligible for reimbursement due to Iowa Code Section 306A.10 that states the
relocation may be paid. While the relocation of the utility facility is eligible for reimbursement, historically, the
department has not paid for such relocations.
Case 4, Utility relocation is included in a federal-aid contract
This involves relocation of any utility that is done as part of a federal-aid department project or a federal aid local
agency project due to Article 1107.06 of the department’s standard specification. This could be a project on a
primary highway or city street. Special provisions may not override or circumvent the requirements of the
specifications for BABA compliance.
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Build America, Buy America (BABA) – Overview & Guidance | Exhibit C Page | 4
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT
Ames, Iowa
How to comply with BABA provisions (Case 1,2,3):
1. The department will determine if BABA applies to utility relocations based on department or local agency project
requirements.
2. Submit Materials Certification* to the department.
• Case 1: Submit with the department reimbursement agreement documents.
• Case 2: Submit with the department permit request documents.
• Case 3: Submit to the department with issued city or county permit or franchise documents.
3. Complete the relocation work in accordance with the BABA requirements.
4. Retain verification paperwork (i.e., mill and/or step certifications, bills of lading, manufacturers’ certificates, etc.)
for all BABA materials for a period of 5 years from the date of issuance of the permit or reimbursement
agreement. Field audits of the materials and/or office audits of the certification paperwork by department
personnel should be expected.
How to comply with BABA provisions (Case 4):
Submit Materials Certification* according to Article 1107.06 of the department standard specifications. The process
is identified I.M. 107. https://ia.iowadot.gov/erl/current/IM/content/107.htm
The domestic materials certification form(s) must be completed, signed and returned to the District Utility
Coordinator identified in Section 4 of the agreement prior to commencing relocation or adjustment work.
Minimal Use of Foreign Steel:
FHWA regulations permit a minimal use of foreign steel and iron in the amount of $2,500 or one-tenth of one
percent of the utility relocation contract/cost, whichever is greater. This amount would be the total amount of
foreign steel or iron allowed on the utility project across all the materials supplied.
Incorporation of any foreign steel must be preapproved by the department.
*Materials Certification Forms:
Certificate of Build America, Buy America Compliance for Construction Material or Manufactured Product
(Materials I.M. 107 Appendix A) https://ia.iowadot.gov/erl/current/IM/content/107aa.pdf
Certificate of Build America, Buy America Compliance for Iron and Steel
(Materials I.M. 107 Appendix B) https://ia.iowadot.gov/erl/current/IM/content/107ab.pdf
Domestic Materials Self-Certification Form is available online here:
https://transportation.org/product-evaluation-and-audit-solutions/domestic-materials-self-certification-form/
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