DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- A Polk County judge has dismissed a lawsuit aimed at stopping Iowa from signing a contract with an Illinois company to build a new maximum-security prison near Fort Madison.
Master Builders of Iowa and Iowa contractor Orville Crowley argued the state ignored preference laws favoring local bidders in awarding a $116.9 million contract to a Chicago construction firm.
The Des Moines Register says District Judge Carla Schemmel ruled Monday that the plaintiffs failed to exhaust administrative remedies for their complaints.
Master Builders attorney John Templer says his client is still pursuing the matter.
Robert Bailey of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services, which has overseen the award of the contract, says officials are pleased with the ruling.
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