The project, estimated to cost $29.8 million, aims to turn the century-old building into spaces for housing, social services and fitness. The town government would shoulder 10 percent of the cost.

Vermont's Bennington Battle Monument is a soaring commemoration of a critical Revolutionary War victory. But it needs massive — and expensive — repairs to keep it upright.

Bennington and Manchester are at two ends of a 25-mile narrow valley in southwestern Vermont and framed by mountains to the east and west, making for beautiful scenery in all directions.