A new federal transportation law is giving millions of dollars to boost some area bike trails.

2nd District Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin was responsible for securing $7.8 million to help improve and extend several bike trails in the area, including the Glacial Drumlin Trail in Cottage Grove.

“The hope is that it will eventually extend from here all the way to the City of Madison,” says Marjorie Ward, of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin. “This particular funding will get that process started, it won't complete the trail. But it's definitely a big step forward.”

Ward says expanding the trails will help the area with tourism, recreation and transportation. Money in the bill will also be going to bike paths in Portage, Wisconsin Dells, Waunakee, as well as two trails in Madison.