Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Announces Grants to Help Communities with Historic Preservation Efforts
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt announced that seven Missouri communities will receive funding through the federal Historic Preservation Fund.
“I am pleased to announce these important grants that support historic preservation efforts, tell the story of our past and secure a legacy for future generations,” Blunt said. “The action made possible by these grants not only helps our communities preserve their heritage, it contributes to Missouri’s tourism industry which is one of the pillars of our state’s economy.”
The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 authorizes matching grants to assist states in carrying out historic preservation activities. The Act was changed in 1980 to require each state to earmark a minimum of 10 percent of their Historic Preservation Fund monies for exclusive use by Certified Local Governments, communities that have established a historic preservation program that meets standards set by the state and National Park Service. Local governments that maintain certified status are considered partners with the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service in the nation’s historic preservation program. Missouri currently has 43 local governments that have attained Certified Local Government status.
The grants are awarded based on a competitive scoring process. At least a 40 percent match is required by the applicant and grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis. Following is a list of grant recipients, along with the projects and grant amounts:
- City of Jefferson, plan and produce the 2007 Annual Statewide Historic Preservation Conference, $14,800;
- Town of Arrow Rock, create a new National Register of Historic Places district designation for Arrow Rock and its vicinity, $7,200;
- City of Ferguson, prepare a National Register of Historic Places multiple properties cover document nomination, $7,500;
- City of Ozark, complete a National Register of Historic Places nomination for a historic district on the Courthouse Square in downtown Ozark, $9,140;
- City of Joplin, prepare a National Register of Historic Places multiple property cover document and National Register nomination for a small commercial district located in the downtown area of Joplin, $8,500;
- City of Lee’s Summit, prepare National Register of Historic Places district nominations for three historic residential areas, $4,774; and
- City of Excelsior Springs, support a part-time historic preservation planner city staff position, $5,200.
For more information about the Certified Local Governments program visit the State Historic Preservation Office Internet site at http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/certifie.htm or contact Jo Ann Radetic at (573) 522-2473.
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