The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, along with the Preservation Trust of Vermont, Maine Preservation and the Preservation League of New York State, are pleased to announce receipt of a $1,000,000 grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) to help communities undertake locally-driven historic preservation projects with strong community and economic revitalization potential.

 

The statewide organizations will provide grants to "shovel-ready" non-profit and municipal rehabilitation and economic development projects that have matching funds in hand. The Northern Heritage Economy Program materials and deadlines will be available later this fall for projects in all Vermont's counties. To request application information, interested parties can email the Preservation Trust of Vermont's contact: Jenna Lapachinski, jenna@ptvermont.org.

 

Studies show that historic preservation investment supports small business and good-paying labor jobs, improves property values, keeps money circulating in local economies, catalyzes additional investment and increases community pride. 

"Community-driven preservation projects play such a critical role in creating and maintaining vibrant rural communities and we are thrilled to work with our statewide partners to support these important projects across the NBRC region," says Jenna Lapachinski, Preservation Trust of Vermont. 

The award was made by the Regional Forest Economy Partnership, a new NBRC-led initiative, which was driven by a desire to focus on innovative initiatives to engage a regional approach in addressing the decline in forest-based economies. The funds for this program, and all NBRC programs, are available thanks to the support of the Congressional Delegations of all four NBRC states: Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.

 

During the first year of the Regional Forest Economy Partnerships initiative, NBRC received a wide range of applications from new and established organizations, which were reviewed by an external Advisory Board, consisting of equal representation from all four states in the region, and Commission members. Applications were scored on a range of variables, including their regional scope, potential for transformative change, and ability to implement.

"Repurposing the historic buildings of Northern New England back into community gathering spaces, commercial enterprises, and homes will help the region define new rural economies.  Historic preservation is one of the most local economic development tools we have," says Ted Brady, Deputy Secretary of Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development. "These projects will stimulate new local leadership, put people to work redeveloping buildings, and ultimately create new opportunities."