The city of Vicksburg is seeking a grant from the Delta Region Authority for a bike trial.

“This is under a new program called the Creative Placemaking Investment Program,” said Marcia Weaver, Vicksburg’s special projects coordinator.

Cities can seek up to $30,000 in grant funds under the program. Weaver said the grant is a 50-50 grant, which means the city will put up half the project cost, and Vicksburg Main Street has agreed to put up half the city’s match. Weaver said the grant would be awarded in October, so the city’s match would come out of its fiscal 2018 budget.

Weaver said the grant would be used to develop a painted pedal trail project with the cooperation of the Southern Heritage Cultural Foundation.

“What it is, is a dedicated bicycle trail route through downtown and surrounding historic sites. It would connect with the Mississippi River Trail, the MRT and the Mississippi Blues trail.”

She said children from the Southern Heritage Cultural Center’s River Kids afterschool arts program will design and paint roadside markers for the proposed bike trail.

“This program is really aimed at economic development,” Weaver said. “We’re hoping it will be an added attraction to those we already have in our community.

“Cycling groups, local residents can come and see what our town has to offer.”