New Ulm's Historic Monument Needs Repairs Amid Funding Concerns

Can you imagine needing some major funds such as 11 million dollars in order to keep and restore a monument that has been around for over 100 years? Where does the money come from? How do you rebuild and restore a monument? Certainly don't want to tear the thing down - so what choice do you have?

MAJOR FUNDING IS NEEDED TO REBUILD AND RESTORE A TOWN MONUMENT

That is the situation in New Ulm, Minnesota. Hermann the German has been a fixture in the city for over 100 years. And it is in need of some serious repair and restoration. And it's not going to be cheap, either. So, where are those funds going to come from? The city has said that they are not going to use taxpayer money. So - then what? A grant? A go- fund me page? I'm kidding about that one, but really, where is the money going to come from?

From mpr news:

Joey Schugel, director of New Ulm’s Parks and Recreation, said the city is exploring several possible funding streams to help foot the nearly $12 million bill. “We’re really not looking to impact the local taxpayer with this project,” Schugel said. “This is a bigger project … so we are looking for some legacy dollars through the state of Minnesota or a bonding bill.”

WHAT IF THE FUNDING IS NOT APPROVED

But - what if that funding does not come through? Then what? The odds are, that it will. But there is still that chance. Right now it is a bit of a waiting game.

The actual statue of Hermann the German was restored about 20 years ago, but the main issue is the base that the statue stands upon. That has a ton of water damage, other weather damage, and is basically not safe for people to climb up to see the statue in person.

The monument is usually open to the public to climb up from Memorial Day through Labor Day and also for New Ulm's Oktoberfest celebration which happens annually two weekends in October.

IS THERE A CHANCE THAT IT WON'T COST MORE THAN $11 MILLION

Apparently, yes, it might be less than that. The $11+ Million dollar mark is an estimate. According to MPR news, if there is a chance that the columns and staircase can be reused, then it would cost less. How much less? That is a variable number, but less.