Michigan Lighthouse Preservation Continues

Grants funded by specialty license plates announced

LANSING, Mich., July 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), part of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), announced this year's recipients of Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP) grants. The grants are funded through the sale of the Save Our Lights specialty license plate.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110419/MM85741LOGO)

"Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state," said MSHDA Executive Director Scott Woosley. "These unique structures symbolize Michigan and its rich maritime heritage. With this grant program we are able to assist organizations devoted to lighthouse preservation."

Lighthouses range from single structures and multi-building complexes on land to isolated offshore structures.

State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway said, "Michigan is fortunate to have citizens who care deeply about lighthouses and commit themselves to preservation. The isolated locations of many of these buildings present unique challenges. Just getting supplies to an offshore lighthouse can be a monumental and expensive task."

Recipient projects are chosen through an annual competitive application process. Grantees must contribute 50 percent of the award amount as matching dollars to the project.

2013 grants recipients:

The DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society will receive a $60,000 grant for the DeTour Reef Light Station in Chippewa County. The project will repair and eliminate water infiltration by repairing the roof, repairing the watch room deck floor, and repairing water damage to the interior ceilings and walls.

The Manistee County Historical Museum will receive $20,000 for the Manistee North Pierhead Light and Elevated Walkway. The museum will hire a consultant to prepare a historic structures report (HSR) and plans and specifications for the rehabilitation of the Manistee North Pierhead Light and elevated walkway.

Lake St. Clair Save Our South Channel Lights will receive a $60,000 grant for rehabilitation work on the St. Clair Flats Old South Channel Front Range Light near Harsens Island. The project will involve straightening the existing structure to vertical and installing a new foundation, reinstalling and restoring the limestone base, and repairing brick and stonework.

Since 2000 the Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program has awarded more than $1.5 million in grants for the preservation of lighthouses. "We are grateful to the lighthouse enthusiasts who support this program by purchasing a specialty plate," Conway said. "Without this support, local lighthouse stewards would have a more difficult time paying for the stabilization and rehabilitation of these iconic structures."

You can support the preservation of Michigan's lighthouses by purchasing a "Save Our Lights" license plate through the Secretary of State.

The State Historic Preservation Office is part of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) , which provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve decent, affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents and to engage in community economic development activities to revitalize urban and rural communities.*

*MSHDA's loans and operating expenses are financed through the sale of tax-exempt and taxable bonds as well as notes to private investors, not from state tax revenues. Proceeds are loaned at below-market interest rates to developers of rental housing, and help fund mortgages and home improvement loans. MSHDA also administers several federal housing programs. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mshda

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is financed in part by a grant from the National Park Service, Department of Interior. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of the Interior. The Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on its federally funded assistance programs.  If you believe you've been discriminated against please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C. St. NW, Washington DC 20240.

SOURCE Michigan State Housing Development Authority