Dug Road Trail may get a temporary fix

(decorahnews.com file photo)

City of Decorah officials are considering a plan to perform a temporary fix of the Dug Road Trail, which collapsed down the side of the hill during August's flooding.

Under the plan being considered, the city would spend $5,000 to $10,000 to remove the asphalt which sank down the hill, then reshape the trail, topping it with gravel.  The purpose of the temporary fix in part would be to see whether the hillside has stopped moving and whether a reconstructed trail would stay in place.

A key consideration for City of Decorah officials would be whether the expense of the temporary fix would be covered by FEMA funds, in whole or at least in part.

If the temporary trail stays in place, it would be a sign that the trail could be reconfigured similar to how it was before the flooding.  City officials had earlier discussed the possibility of building a bridge to span the eroded section of the trail, but if the temporary fix holds, the city might not have to go to that extreme.