UERPC Announces $2.8 Million in Federal Transportation Grants for Northeast Iowa

Quality journalism needs your support to thrive. Donate and keep the facts flowing. DECORAH — Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) has announced more than $2.8 million in federal transportation grants for two projects in Northeast Iowa, supporting infrastructure maintenance and trail development. UERPC serves as the designated Regional Planning Affiliation (RPA-1) for Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties. Each year, the region receives federal funding for transportation projects that align with the goals of RPA-1's long-range transportation plan. The RPA-1 Transportation Policy Board, composed of county supervisors and representatives from the cities of Oelwein and Decorah, evaluates applications and awards funding. This year's awards include: The Fayette County Conservation Board will receive $316,734 in Transportation Alternatives Set-aside funding for the "Northeast Iowa Backbone Trail – Fayette County Extension" project. Programmed for federal fiscal year 2028, the trail extension will enhance regional connectivity, recreational access and tourism. Allamakee County was awarded $2,495,480 in Surface Transportation Block Grant funding for a 6-inch Portland cement concrete overlay on Elon Drive (A52), from Maud Road to X42. The project, scheduled for federal fiscal year 2029, will support long-term maintenance of the regional secondary road network. Both grant programs require a minimum 20% nonfederal match. The awards were made possible through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. A complete listing of projects funded over the next four years can be found in the RPA-1 Transportation Improvement Program document at uerpc.org/transportation. Additional information about UERPC and RPA-1, including the region's long-range transportation plan, Safe Mobility for Everyone, is also available at the website. Stay ahead of the curve! Subscribe to free newsletters for exclusive insights, local trends and analysis delivered straight to your inbox.