Monument in Gatesville being built with state funds

Construction has begun on a monument being built by the Texas Department of Transportation at the intersection of State Highway 36 and Business 36 that will feature a 229-foot limestone wall about 4.5 feet tall surrounded by landscaping that will consist of trees and perennial plants.

The monument is the result of Gatesville being recognized through the Governor's Community Achievement Awards in 2021 for multiple efforts made by Keep Gatesville Beautiful to enhance the community. Those initiatives included the city's recycling program, partnerships with Fort Hood soldiers on cleanup and beautification projects and other programs.

The monument is being built with state funds, and two plaques can be placed there at a later date with the city designating the subject matter and also being responsible for lighting.

Gatesville City Manager Scott Albert said the city and a transportation department representative are talking about whether the city or the state will be responsible for maintenance of the monument area.