The New Jersey Historic Trust, an affiliate of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), has approved $16,598,738 in grants from the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund. These funds will support and promote historic sites across the state. This year's list includes 75 projects related to preservation planning at various levels, heritage tourism, and capital projects.
"Historic preservation is integral to community and economic revitalization; therefore, I am pleased to see a diverse list of grant recipients this year. The preservation work includes historic houses, estates, schools, churches, train stations, lighthouses, and villages, helping to secure the future of our most treasured historic places in the Garden State," said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez.
Of the 75 grant proposals, 30 will fund planned preservation projects such as condition assessments, historical structure reports, archaeological investigations, and construction documentation. Two will finance intensive architectural studies and one will update existing design guidelines. Additionally, two grants will support heritage tourism initiatives to enhance visitor experiences at historic sites. Forty-one grants will fund capital preservation projects for sites listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places.
The recommendations include $1.5 million for the next phase of funding for multi-year projects like Shadow Lawn in Monmouth County and Passaic County Court House in Passaic County.
"I am very pleased that we can help through the Preserve New Jersey Fund with so many worthy projects across New Jersey. The projects associated with these historic properties will benefit all residents of New Jersey and have a lasting impact on the communities where these sites are located," said Glenn Ceponis, Executive Director of the New Jersey Historic Trust.
The grant recommendations approved by the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey Historic Trust will be presented to the Garden State Preserve Trust at its next meeting. Legislative appropriations and gubernatorial approval are required before funds become available. The current round of grants is possible due to a constitutional amendment passed by voters creating the New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund.
Since 1990, voter-supported referendums have committed over $200 million to more than 1,000 historic preservation projects through this fund. All financial resources are listed or certified as eligible on both the National Register of Historic Places and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places.
Proposals for Preserve Fund Grants:
- Administration of historic sites (up to $75,000)
- Regional/municipal/county planning (up to $75,000)
- Heritage tourism (up to $75,000)
- Capital Level I ($5,000 - $150,000)
- Capital Level II ($150,001 - $750,000)
- Capital Level III: Multi-phase ($500,000 - $750,000)
The New Jersey Historic Trust was created by state legislation as a non-profit organization affiliated with DCA for historic preservation purposes. It is governed by a 15-member board with a mission to advance historic preservation in New Jersey for future generations through education programs and financial investments that protect heritage and strengthen communities.
DCA offers a wide range of programs including local government administration and finance management; affordable housing development; fire safety; building safety; community planning and development; disaster recovery and mitigation; historic preservation; and information privacy.
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