UPDATE: Winneshiek County and City of Decorah need survey responses to apply for $8 million grant

Winneshiek County and the City of Decorah are working on submitting a grant application to help fund $14 million in potential projects involving biking and hiking trails.

The two governments are joining together to apply for so-called TIGR funding--a federal program that aims to improve outdated transportation facilities while at the same time encouraging recreational usages.

The proposed grant would provide funding to up to four projects:

--A $3.3 million project to add bike lanes and wide sidewalks and a center turning lane to seven blocks of Short Street in Decorah.  The City of Decorah would pay $1.65 million of the cost, with the TIGR grant providing a matching amount.

--A $3.5 million project to rebuild Locust Road, also adding a bike lane or sidewalk.  The City of Decorah would pay $1.75 million of the cost, with the TIGR grant matching that amount.

--A $2.1 million project to make improvements in the Freeport area, adding trails that would extend all the way to Haugen Hummel addition.  Winneshiek County and the TIGR grant would split the costs.

--A $5.1 million project to link the Trout Run Trail with the Prairie Farmer Trail.  Winneshiek Count would pay $2 million of the amount, with TIGR funding covering the rest.

City and county officials have created a survey to quantify potential new biking and hiking trail usage.  They will compile the results and submit them along with the funding application.

The survey deadline is Monday, October 17th.  To take the survey, visit the Convention and Visitor Bureau's website at http://www.visitdecorah.com/biking-walking-survey.html