The Austin City Council will discuss and likely give approval to Jay C. Hormel Nature Center employees to move forward on plans for a new visitor center at the council’s public meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday.

Nature center officials plan to start fundraising efforts for the $1.7-$3.5 million project on April 22, the 44th anniversary of Earth Day. Nature center officials are aiming high, hoping to have a new center with two program rooms, an exhibit and more for residents to enjoy.

The current visitor center was dedicated in 1975, yet the building is in the Austin Municipal Airport’s flight path, which means nothing can be built or rebuilt on that building. Electrical problems found last summer concerned nature center officials and spurred research on a new building.

The council will also discuss a grant application to rehabilitate houses in the northeast part of town, as well as hear updates on Vision 2020’s Safe Routes to School study and the Turtle Creek Flood Project.