State Legislature Funding for Preservation Projects
On April 28, the Washington State Legislature approved the 2019-2021 state budget, and we are thrilled to report that it’s a huge win for preservation! It includes:
- A significant increase in funding for Washington Main Street, which will enable hiring an additional staff person to support our Main Street network
- Continued funding for the Heritage Barn Grant Program, Historic Cemetery Grant Program, and Historic County Courthouse Grant Program
- Full funding for all 36 statewide Heritage Capital Projects as recommended by the Washington State Historical Society, with grant funds totaling nearly $9.75 million
- $5.146 million for the Beverly Bridge rehabilitation and conversion to recreational trail use
- $1 million for Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve to establish a grant program for contributing historic structures within the Reserve
We are deeply grateful to all advocates who called upon their legislators to fund these initiatives, and to the legislators themselves for recognizing the value of preservation in Washington State!