GOOD FIRST STEP IN HERMAN MONUMENT PROJECT

The state has approved the city of New Ulm’s deconstruction and reconstruction plan for the Hermann Monument.  City Manager Chris Dalton says that is a huge step as that means they won’t have to refurbish the monument and it reduces the cost a bit.  But he says it will be costly and now he can visit the local political constituents about possibly getting the monument project on the bonding bill.  Dalton says he estimates the cost of the project will be in the $10 – $20-million range with $10-million being the very low end.  He says state funds will for sure be sought with the possibility of federal funds as a last resort.  He estimates initial construction could start within a five to ten-year time span but there is still a long way to go.