City of Decorah again turning to the University of Iowa for sustainability advice

The City of Decorah got help from University of Iowa students in 2010 and 2011 in creating initiatives designed to make Decorah a more sustainable community.  Now the city is again asking the university for such help.

The Decorah City Council voted 6-1 on Monday night to apply for help from the University of Iowa's "Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities" program.  If Decorah's application is successful, U of I students from various academic disciplines would work on selected sustainability initiatives.  Possible projects include storm water utilities, MetroNet options for extended service to other communities, rural internet, website work and design, transportation and infrastructure studies.

City council member Randy Schissel was the lone dissenting vote.  He said it would be better to ask Upper Explorerland for such assistance.