City officials will ask for new bids on Dry Run Trail culvert under Highway 52

The Iowa Department of Transportation opened bids last week on the construction of a box culvert underneath Highway 52 near its intersection with Highway 9.  The project is the first step in creating a bike trail that links Decorah's Trout Run Trail with Calmar's Prairie Farmer Trail. 

City and county officials say the apparent low bid on the project of $963,729.70 will be rejected.

The next step now will be for the project to be re-engineered to help reduce costs.

The Dry Run Trail project has received a $750,000 Statewide Enhancement grant and $380,265 Iowa State Recreational Trails grant, as well as a $100,000 REAP grant specifically for the box culvert.

However, those funds will be divided between the project to build a box culvert under Highway 52 and the purchase of easements for the entire route.     

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is currently accepting donations for the entire Dry Run Trail project.  City and county officials are also soliciting financial support from the community.