Decorah Council Discusses FY26 Community Funding Project Application

Be the reason your community stays informed—give to local journalism now! DECORAH — During Monday night's meeting, The Decorah City Council discussed the possibility of submitting an application for a federal Community Funding Project for the upcoming fiscal year 2026. City Manager Travis Goedken briefed members on the application process, facilitated by U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson's office. The funding initiative allows municipalities to submit local projects for consideration in upcoming federal appropriations bills. "Last week, I participated in a webinar put on by Congresswoman Hinson's staff on community project funding," Goedken said. "They are looking to approve fifteen projects from their office to try and put into different appropriations bills." Goedken advised that the application turnaround time was short, with a deadline looming on March 12, effectively giving the council a "ten day timeline." The Community Project Funding initiative has several requirements, as outlined in the background guidance provided by Rep. Hinson's office. Eligible entities include state, local, and Tribal governments, as well as qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Each project request must be for fiscal year 2026 only, and all applications must demonstrate strong community support through letters from local officials, businesses, or community organizations. Additionally, projects must align with federal funding priorities, such as infrastructure, public safety, wastewater and broadband improvements. The total funding available varies, with individual projects typically receiving between $250,000 and $1 million. The council discussed potential projects that could align with the program's funding requirements. "The only project that we have in the queue right now that does come to mind—and I say in the queue rather loosely—is the police and fire station," Goedken stated. He clarified that while previous discussions on facility improvements had included potential office space for the police department, the primary focus remained on the fire station's needs. Councilmember Steve Zittergruen raised the possibility of submitting an application for wastewater treatment infrastructure, citing its inclusion in previous funding rounds. "She [Rep. Hinson] funds a lot of wastewater grants through this program," Zittergruen offered. "Are we considering that?" Goedken confirmed that staff had reviewed the idea. "We would certainly consider that one, too," he said. Zittergruen pointed out that Decorah would qualify under the eligibility criteria for communities with fewer than 20,000 residents. Other ideas included a proposal to expand Decorah's fiber optic network to increase broadband access, brought up by Councilmember Randy Schissel, "My internet sucks," Schissel lamented, prompting a thoughtful response from Goedken, "We could point out that we are sitting on trying to secure the financing. Yeah, that would be a strong application." Councilmember Kirsten Olson asked whether multiple applications could be submitted, but Goedken recalled that Hinson's staff had advised against it. "They didn't like the appearance of throwing a lot of things at the wall," he said. Councilmember Emily Neal proposed the idea of staff trying to find ways to "marry" multiple projects together, "I think you should title it 'Government Efficiency and Safety,'" Neal joked. Goedken also shared an ongoing conversation with federal officials regarding a possible relocation of the Army Reserve Center to free up space for municipal use. "I said, 'How about instead of tacking on a couple million for the city of Decorah, we get that out and relocate?'" he said. "They said, 'That's a great project, let's talk about that not in relation to this [funding application].'" With the deadline rapidly approaching, the council opted to direct city staff to proceed with selecting the most viable project and submitting an application without the need for additional council approval. Become a part of the exclusive circle! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and gain access to special offers, bonus content and insider perks.