Funds to preserve heritage

Projects that preserve Snohomish County heritage could receive funds from the Community Heritage Program of the county’s Historic Preservation Commission.

Funding is available for professional development, public education, capital improvements or collections management, to assist projects that promote the public’s access to county history.

As has been done in the past, the Snohomish County Historic Preservation Commission will review applications and make recommendations to the Snohomish County Executive and County Council for final approval.

Funds will be available beginning in August and will be awarded on a competitive basis to applicants who can complete their proposed projects by Dec. 15, 2010. Funds are reimbursed for approved project costs only. Historically, project allocation has averaged about $3,500.

Funding comes from recording fees collected by the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office. The allocation of these fees for projects that promote historical preservation or historical programs is authorized under RCW 36.22.170. The revenues accrue to a dedicated fund and may not be used for any purposes other than those stipulated in the RCW.

Details of eligibility and other program requirements are included in the application package, which must be filled out and returned to Snohomish County’s Office of Economic Development by 5 p.m. Monday, May 3.

Applications received after that time and date will not be considered.

Applications are available by contacting the Office of Economic Development at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, M/S 411, Everett, WA, 98201. For more information on the program, contact Wendy Becker at 425-388-3186 or wendy. becker@snoco.org.