Project to build 345 kV and 161 kV lines spans four counties
The Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) today issued its final decision order and an electric transmission line franchise to ITC Midwest LLC in Docket No. E-22544 for a project in Marshall, Tama, Benton and Linn counties in Iowa.
The order comes after the IUC held a hearing in Toledo, Iowa, in July 2025 to gather and hear evidence regarding the project. The franchise allows ITC Midwest to construct, erect, operate, and maintain 345 kV and 161 kV electric transmission line segments, which consist of approximately 60.58 miles in Marshall, Tama, Benton, and Linn counties and 33.76 miles in Marshall, Tama, and Benton counties. ITC Midwest has two years to construct the electric transmission line.
ITC Midwest filed its application in July 2024. The company requested eminent domain over one parcel of land, and the IUC found that granting eminent domain over the requested property is necessary for public use, and that the estimated $221 million electric transmission line project is necessary to serve a public use and represents a reasonable relationship to an overall plan of transmitting electricity in the public interest consistent with Iowa Code chapter 478.
The IUC retains subject matter jurisdiction of this docket for purposes of receiving and acting upon such additional filings as may be appropriate.
Today’s Order Granting Petition for Electric Transmission Line Franchise and Right of Eminent Domain and all filings in Docket No. E-22544 are available in the IUC’s electronic filing system at efs.iowa.gov.