US volcano high rises costing $3M

In California, a US volcano has cost taxpayers $3 million to install a new tower on its summit.

The USGS reported Friday that the new structure will increase visibility to about 4,000 feet above sea level.

“The total cost is $3.7 million to build the structure, $2.5 million of which is for the construction and $1.5 for the equipment,” said John Janssen, a spokesman for the USGS.

A group of local leaders and residents, led by the National Park Service, were able to push through the cost and install the tower in the spring of 2019, according to a news release from the park service.

Officials also announced in June that a new building will be constructed on the top of the mountain to house a new visitor center.

In addition to the tower, the group was able to add a “smaller, smaller, smaller,” park ranger told The Washington Times.