From news release
On December 8th, the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation announced San Juan County as one of six counties receiving the organization’s fifth annual Landmark Deeds Award for Public Service. The awards are presented annually to public figures demonstrating leadership on issues related to preserving and retaining Washington’s built heritage. In 2009, the Washington Trust is veering slightly from the tradition of honoring individuals by honoring county governments across the state that are actively supporting historic preservation and historical programming through direct grants.
In 2005, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1386, which increased the surcharge on document-recording fees (filing fees) collected at the county level for the preservation of historical documents from two dollars to five dollars. Of this five dollar surcharge, HB 1386 requires that one dollar be deposited into county general funds to promote historic preservation or historical programs. County elected officials have the responsibility of determining specifically how funds are distributed.
Since passage of HB 1386, numerous counties statewide have made allocations to local agencies and heritage-related organizations for historical programming, including survey work, preservation planning, bricks and mortar rehabilitation, and collection acquisitions. Despite very difficult budget climates and a general decrease in local revenues, a handful of counties have established ongoing grant programs as a way to distribute the funds equitably throughout their jurisdictions. Eligible entities are able to apply on a competitive basis for funds aimed at implementing projects that work to further the applicants’ heritage based missions.
The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation recognized six counties for establishing grant processes to distribute revenues generated through HB 1386.
San Juan County : With estimated annual revenues of roughly $8,000 generated through the county’s filing fees, San Juan County is committed to providing grant opportunities for the island communities it serves. Initial grants were awarded in 2008, including funding to document and survey historic barns on the four islands with regular ferry service. County Council Chair Rich Peterson said, “The Council feels that, after protecting the public’s safety, preserving the community’s heritage and values are among our most important tasks. It has been gratifying in these extraordinarily difficult budget times, to be able to provide grants to fund preservation projects by using the money set aside from recording fees for those purposes.” Additional grants made in 2009 included funding to several island historical societies to support ongoing work. Through these grants, the county plays an important role in preserving the area’s rich heritage.
Also honored this year are: Benton, Clark, Kittitas, Piece and Snohomish Counties.
The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, is an independent, nonprofit organization, that promotes the preservation of historic places in Washington State. It’s web address is: www.wa-trust.org
