NEW ULM – Plans and specification for a new Trap Range building were approved by the New Ulm City Council.

In March, the council authorized a professional service contract with RW Carlstrom for the a new trap range building, located at 214 N. 21st Street. The plans were presented to the council on Tuesday. The estimated cost for construction of the new building is $235,000. Some of this cost will be offset by a $100,000 Department of Natural Resources grant the city accepted in August to replace the current trap range building.

The current Trap Range Building is over 50 years old, having been constructed in 1972 and 1973. It has aged beyond repair and is undersized compared to the recent growth in the use of the trap and skeet range.

In recent years, the trap range has seen an increase in usage among youth. All three New Ulm High Schools have trapshooting teams. There are other youth groups who utilize the range outside of the school year. The updates would be designed to meet the needs of the next generation.

Councilor Tom Schmitz said he greatly supported the project and made the motion to accept the bid and order in advertisement for bids. Councilor David Christian seconded the motion.

The bid opening date for the project is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, April 28 in the City Council Chambers.