Contact:
Jeff Morgan, Jeff.Morgan@iowa.gov, (515)
281-3858
(DES
MOINES) – The State Historical Society
of Iowa announced today it is making $30,000 available
for emergency stabilization of historic properties
damaged by high winds and tornados earlier this month
in eastern Iowa.
The funds, from SHSI’s Historic Resource Development
Program (HRDP), will be available immediately to applicants.
HRDP is funded through the Resource Enhancement and
Protection Act (REAP) program, enacted in 1989. These
emergency reimbursement grants assist Iowans in stabilizing
historic properties in Iowa.
“We have limited emergency funds that will
be used to protect historic structures from continued
exposure and damage to the elements,” said Anita
Walker, director of the Iowa Department of Cultural
Affairs, which oversees SHSI. “We know emergency
funds are not enough to bridge the gap between insurance
settlements and the costs of fully restoring structures
in accord with professional historical preservation
standards. But historic properties that suffered storm
damage need to be enclosed and protected from the
elements so their historic integrity can eventually
be restored.”
SHSI is working in conjunction with Iowa City and
other eastern Iowa officials as they survey and assess
damages to historic properties. SHSI staff provides
technical assistance and historic preservation expertise
throughout the state.
Owners of properties listed on or eligible for the
National Register of Historic Places are encouraged
to contact Kathy Gourley for HRDP application information
at kathy.gourley@iowa.gov
or 515-281-6913.
The State Historical Society of Iowa is a trustee
of Iowa’s historical legacy and an advocate
for understanding Iowa’s past. It identifies,
records, collects, preserves, manages and provides
access to Iowa’s historical resources. Its dual
mission of preservation and education serves Iowans
of all ages, conducts and stimulates research, disseminates
information, and encourages and supports historical
preservation and education efforts of others throughout
the state. More information about SHSI is available
at www.iowahistory.org.
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