Progress is being made in the renovation project for the Black Hawk statue at Lowden State Park near Oregon.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources recently approved the plans to repair the damage statue which is 103 years old.
The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency has also approved the proposal for the work.
IDNR has received a $350,000 state grant for the project. The Black Hawk Statue, which is visited by thousands of people each year, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2009.
It was created by sculptor Lorado Taft and unveiled to the public in 1911.
Once the scaffolding is in place around the statue, the repairs are expected to begin. $725,000 has been raised so far to help pay for the project. An additional 75,000 to 100,000 dollars will most likely still need to be donated to complete the work.
A rededication ceremony for the Black Hawk statue will most likely be held next July.
Donations for the project can be made out to the Illinois Conservation Foundation. They are located in Springfield.
