NEW ULM — A series of grant applications and loans will come before the New Ulm City Council, Tuesday.

The council will consider authorizing an application for a Federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant for the planning of a Career and Technical Education Center.

The New Ulm EDA unanimously recommended the city authorize the grant Feb. 11.

New Ulm Public Schools, in concert with local and regional partners, wants to build a regional Career and Technical (CTE) Center in New Ulm to retain and add to the city’s skilled workforce. Students in area high schools and adults will have the ability to learn about skilled trades in this area and spend time earning credentials or certification in particular career fields.

The school district is not eligible to apply for the federal EDA grant. Region Nine has taken the lead to be the main applicant. The city would serve as co-applicant acting as the fiscal agent.

The council will also consider authorizing a grant application to the New Ulm Area Foundation of up to $5,000 for historic and environmental interpretive signage in Riverside Park.

This grant application was previously recommended by the Park and Recreation Commission. The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) operated out of the Riverside Park building plans to utilize the planned rear deck plaza as an outdoor classroom. Interpretive signage on the deck will be utilized by ELC participants/classes and the public.

This is an initiative of the Chamber of Commerce Visioning 2020 Riverfront Development Advocacy Group (RDAG).

A public hearing will be held for a $250,000 loan to DLC Manufacturing & Fabrication. DLC is looking to make a substantial capital investment for a new building, machinery, and equipment at 24 Somsen St. The loan would support the purchase of equipment to permit the expansion of the business. DLC is expected to create one or two new positions within a year of occupying the new building.