12 Certified Local Government historic preservation grants awarded to nine Kentucky communities

Frankfort, Ky. – June 23, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Twelve Certified Local Government (CLG) grants totaling $86,448 have been awarded to nine communities for historic preservation-related activities, according to the Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office (KHC). The annual matching grants fund qualifying projects submitted by participating citywide and county historic preservation commissions.

Recipients are Bardstown, Bellevue, Covington, Danville, Hopkinsville, Louisville, Maysville, Paducah and Shelbyville. Projects range from educational workshops and hands-on training to historic building surveys, preparing nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, updating local design guidelines, creating a GIS database of historic resources, developing an interactive website and producing the third installment of a video series.

NKY Restoration WeekendKentucky currently has 23 CLG communities. The grants come from KHC’s annual federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) allocation and require a local match of at least 40 percent, totaling $60,966 this year and bringing total investment to $147,413. (See below for grant amounts and project descriptions.)

CLG designation offers a way for local governments to become involved in a comprehensive approach to historic preservation and promote the integration of preservation interests into the planning process. To qualify, local governments must meet five broad standards, including enacting a historic preservation ordinance and appointing a qualified preservation commission or architectural review board. In addition to grant eligibility, benefits include access to technical assistance from KHC and the National Park Service.

“Historic preservation activity has the strongest impact at the local level, and these communities actively partner with us to administer quality historic preservation programs,” said Vicki Birenberg, CLG Program and planning coordinator. “These grants often help communities by expanding eligibility of historic rehabilitation tax credits to property owners and strengthening the local preservation ethic.”

At least 10 percent of Kentucky’s HPF apportionment is required to go toward CLG grants. Funded projects, and qualified professionals engaged in training, must adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s (SOI) Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Grants cannot be used to acquire or rehabilitate historic buildings.

Eligible CLGs may apply for the next round of grants beginning in November. For information, contact Birenberg at 502-564-7005, ext. 126, email Vicki.Birenberg (at) ky (dot) gov or visit www.heritage.ky.gov/mainstreet/clgs/.

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An agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office is responsible for the identification, protection and preservation of prehistoric resources and historic buildings, sites and cultural resources throughout the Commonwealth, in partnership with other state and federal agencies, local communities and interested citizens. This mission is integral to making communities more livable and has a far-ranging impact on issues as diverse as economic development, heritage tourism, jobs creation, affordable housing, community revitalization, environmental conservation and quality of life. www.heritage.ky.gov

Contact
Diane Comer
(502) 564-7005 Ext. 120
diane.comer (at) ky (dot) gov