MSHDA's State Historic Preservation Office Announces $112,000 in Federal Certified Local Government Grants

LANSING, Mich., June 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan State Housing Development Authority's (MSHDA) State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) announced grants have been awarded to four cities totaling $112,000. The grants represent awards from the federal Historic Preservation Fund – Certified Local Government (CLG) program administered by the SHPO.

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"We are pleased to support the preservation efforts of Allegan, Menominee, Mount Clemens, and Ypsilanti," said State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway. "By taking the step to become Certified Local Governments these cities have committed to identify historic resources in their communities and take steps to preserve them."

Certified Local Governments are counties, townships or cities that partner with the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service to preserve their historic and cultural resources. CLGs demonstrate ongoing commitment to historic preservation through the enactment of a historic preservation ordinance, the formation of a historic district commission, the ongoing survey and designation of properties, and public education.

The City of Allegan, which received CLG grants in the past for the rehabilitation of the Regent Theater, is receiving a $50,140 grant to repair and rehabilitate the tile roof structure and brackets of the Allegan District Library, which was built in 1914 as a Carnegie Library, which is part of the Griswold Civic Center Historic District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The City of Menominee will receive a $45,000 grant to rehabilitate the Mansard roof and install decorative brick on the upper 30 courses of the south facade of the 1902 Menominee Opera House, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the First Street Historic District.

The City of Mount Clemens will receive $11,100 to rehabilitate and paint exterior woodwork and windows on the south facade of the 1859 Grand Trunk Western Rail Station, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The City of Ypsilanti will receive $5,760 toward the rehabilitation of the Terry Bakery Mid-Century Modern neon sign. The bakery is located in the locally designated Ypsilanti Historic District, which is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

CLG grants are awarded annually on a competitive basis. All grants must be matched with local funds or donations and are available on a reimbursement basis only.  Project activities must have measurable results. The State Historic Preservation Office welcomes innovative proposals that promote historic preservation. The intent of the CLG grant program is to augment rather than replace existing local financial commitment to historic preservation activities.  Grants are announced each spring.  For more information on CLG funding, visit SHPO's grant manuals webpage at www.michigan.gov/shpo.

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. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the Interior. The State Historic Preservation Office receives federal financial assistance for identification and protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in its federally assisted programs. Michigan law prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, or disability. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Office for Equal Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC  20240.

SOURCE Michigan State Housing Development Authority