PRESS RELEASES - January 2008

January 4, 2008

Applications are Being Accepted for Historic Preservation
Application Deadline is 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8

The City of Arlington is accepting applications for the Historic Preservation Fund. The application deadline is 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8. Cultural, historical and tourism organizations with tax-exempt status are encouraged to apply.

The purpose of the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) is to foster cooperative interaction between Arlington’s tourism industry and heritage community. The goal of the HPF is to benefit the public by increasing awareness of the cultural and historic resources found in the City of Arlington. The program seeks to strengthen the city’s desirability as a heritage tourism destination, according to Assistant Director of Community Services David Zappasodi.

Funds come from an insurance settlement from a fire that destroyed the historic Cooper House in 1999. The principle is preserved while earned interest is made available for qualified applicants. There is $16,131 currently available for this program.

• Proposals must fall into one of the following categories:
• Restoration of an eligible state or nationally designated historic site;
• Promotion of an event that features sites that are designated as historic sites;
• Nomination of properties to the National Register of Historic Places or for state historic designation through the Texas Historical Commission (THC), including research and preparation of nominations;
• Application fees associated with National Register or State markers;
• Cost of utilities and maintenance for structures that have obtained national or state historic designation and are open to the public; or
• Educational symposiums promoting restoration, designation, and awareness of historic properties.

The Landmark Preservation Commission will review and evaluate each proposal. The Commission will forward their recommendation to the City of Arlington Community and Neighborhood Development Committee.
For an application and more information about eligibility and guidelines, visit the City of Arlington website at http://www.arlingtontx.gov/communityservices/grants/rfp.html or call Deborah Bell-Flowers at 817-459-6232 or email deborah.flowers@arlingtontx.gov.