Washington State DAHP

CLG Overview
Grants
Documents/Forms
Program Participants
Sample Ordinances & Design Review
Education/Training

Local Government:
Grants

When Congress passed the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966, it provided funding for historic preservation. This law created a program of matching grants to the states. To provide a regular source of revenue, the law established the Historic Preservation Fund in the U.S. Treasury with proceeds derived from the federal leasing of offshore oil drilling sites. These funds are distributed to State Historic Preservation Offices on an annual basis.

Warehouse Dist Tacoma States use the funds for the historic preservation activities specified in federal laws and regulations. Among these are conducting surveys to identify historically, architecturally, archaeologically, and culturally significant resources, nominating these to the National Register of Historic Places and carrying out a program of comprehensive preservation planning. Because these activities are also intended to meet local historic preservation needs, states are authorized to award 10% of their annual grant from the Historic Preservation Fund to grantees interested in participating in the state programs through the Certified Local Government Program. The 10% pass through grant funds are awarded annually on a competitive basis.

The Certified Local Government Program (CLG) helps local governments toward preserving Washington’s irreplaceable historic and cultural resources as assets for the future. This unique nationwide program of financial and technical assistance was established by the National Historic Preservation Act. In Washington, the CLG program is implemented and administered by the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP).

Obtaining status as a CLG may help a local government encourage, develop and maintain its local preservation efforts. In addition, CLGs may apply for special pass-through grants from the SHPO; receive recognition for their preservation expertise by local, state and federal agencies; obtain technical assistance and training from the SHPO; participate in the review of nominations to the National Register of Historic Places; participate in the national historic preservation assistance network; regularly exchange information with the SHPO; and participate in statewide preservation programs and planning.

House, Waitsburg Many local units of government use the Historic Preservation Fund grants to conduct architectural and historical or archaeological surveys to accumulate data for comprehensive planning. Frequently, their motivation is to identify significant districts and individual properties that are eligible for listing on a local, state or national register of historic places. Some municipalities conduct prehistoric or historic surveys and/or sponsor the preparation of National Register historic district nominations in order to enable property owners to take advantage of the federal tax credits and/or state Special Tax Valuation program that can result from National Register listing. CLGs also use grant funds to develop design guidelines for locally designated resources and historic districts. HPF grants can also be used for preservation planning activities. Other communities use the grant funds to educate property owners about historic preservation through brochures, web sites, school curriculum development and walking tours.

The HPF grant amount varies year-to-year based on the dollar amount granted to DAHP. During each of the last five years, the average amount DAHP has been able to grant has been approximately $100,000. The average amount of each individual grant is approximately $7500.

Grant Documents

For more information on the CLG grants, please see the Grant Manual and Application or contact Megan Duvall at 360-586-3074 or Megan.Duvall@dahp.wa.gov

Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation
1063 South Capitol Way, Suite 106
Olympia WA 98501
Phone: 360-586-3065
Fax: 360-586-3067