New Ulm adopts $4.3M 2026 Capital Improvement Plan; five‑year program outlines $39M of projects
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Summary
The City of New Ulm adopted its 2026 Capital Improvement Plan, approving about $4.3 million in projects next year and a five‑year program totaling roughly $39 million with a bonding need of about $18 million; priorities include alleys, street reconstructions, pedestrian improvements and select utility projects.
The New Ulm City Council voted Nov. 18 to adopt the proposed 2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), accepting the city engineer’s report and authorizing the projects listed in the plan.
City engineer Mr. Stadheim told the council the city has reconstructed roughly 45 miles of roadways since 2008 and currently averages about $3.8 million in improvements per year. He said about 71–72% of paved streets are in adequate condition, roughly 22% are marginal and about 7% are failed. Stadheim recommended continued focus on alleys, many of which were rated marginal or failed.
The proposed 2026 CIP lists multiple projects (state and local streets, alley reconstructions, pedestrian improvements and utility work). Key figures presented: total CIP cost about $4,300,000 for 2026, assessed amounts of about $576,000, dedicated funds of roughly $1.9 million already identified, and a resulting bonding need of about $2.4 million for 2026. Looking across five years, Stadheim said the projected program totals approximately $39 million with a bonding need near $18 million and would reconstruct an estimated five miles of roadway and 25 alley segments by 2030.
Stadheim described specific 2027 projects (ravine stabilization near Junior Pioneer Park, Franklin Street, Garden Street including a mini‑roundabout at 5th North) and noted the city will continue to apply for federal funds (MSAS projects) in coordination with Brown County. He also noted the airport program (fuel system and apron work) will pause while the city repays entitlement funds used in the 2025 bond cycle.
After the presentation a councilor moved to adopt the CIP and to acknowledge receipt of the engineer’s report; the motion passed on a voice vote.
Council members expressed general support for the plan and for the city’s progress on street reconstruction. Stadheim and staff will proceed with required outreach (public open house scheduled Dec. 10) and next steps for design and bidding on listed projects.
