Erhardt, Rosenthal Team Up to Help Fund Edina Veterans Memorial

Edina legislators Ron Erhardt (DFL-49A) and Paul Rosenthal (DFL-49B) are working to secure state funding for Edina's planned Veterans Memorial.

The pair of state representatives introduced legislation earlier this week which would provide a $225,000 grant to the City of Edina to fund design and construction of the proposed Veterans Memorial at Edina's Utley Park

The grant money would only be provided until an equal amount has been committed to the project from non-state sources.

Veterans Memorial organizers have been working to secure funding for the project for several months now, with the project estimated to cost around $450,000. Volunteers have already raised $120,000 for the memorial, according to the most recent update on the City of Edina's website.

The approved memorial design is that of a large letter V—for victory—with three concentric stars inside of it. At the head of the site, the committee is suggesting a black granite memorial topped with a bronze statue of an eagle holding a wreath.

The memorial will be etched with the names of 32 Edina veterans killed in action since 1888, when the city was founded. As for the sculpture, that will be handled by New York-based artist Robert Eccleston.

Here’s a rundown of other bills authored or co-authored by your legislators this past week:

Sen. Melisa Franzen (DFL-49): 

• Has not yet authored or co-authored any bills this session.

Rep. Ron Erhardt (DFL-49A):

• Chief Authored a bill which would provide a $225,000 grant to the City of Edina to fund design and construction of the proposed Veterans Memorial at Edina's Utley Park. HF0082, introduced Jan. 14.
• Authored a bill establishing the Minnesota Insurance Marketplace. HF0005, introduced Jan. 10.
• Authored a bill which would provide for licensing and inspection of certain dog and cat breeders. HF0084, introduced Jan. 14.

Rep. Paul Rosenthal (DFL-49B):

• Authored a bill restoring the school district current year aid payment shift percentage to 90. HF0001, introduced Jan. 10.

• Authored a bill appropriating $15,000,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $15,000,000 in fiscal year 2015 from the general fund for the Minnesota investment fund. HF0003, introduced Jan. 10.

• Authored a bill appropriating $2,500,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $2,500,000 in fiscal year 2015 from the general fund for the Minnesota Trade Office. The trade office must enhance its activities to identify and increase export opportunities for Minnesota products and services, including agricultural products. HF0004, introduced Jan. 10.

• Authored a bill which would provide a $225,000 grant to the City of Edina to fund design and construction of the proposed Veterans Memorial at Edina's Utley Park. HF0082, introduced Jan. 14.
  

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