Paying for Preservation

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds can be used for many social services that benefit low-to-moderate income families. These are funds many cities receive from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and can be used for historic preservation projects. These may include:

•Preparation of a Historic Preservation Plan, development of districts and ordinances
•Feasibility studies, Engineering and Design Costs (historic commercial facades)
•Plans that develop heritage tourism
•Acquisition of properties and relocation costs
•Energy system audits & improvements – enhance use
•Code enforcement
•Removal of architectural barriers
•Comprehensive Plans
•Archaeological surveys of CDBG project areas
•Lead-based paint testing/abatement
•Other uses that promote economic development

Here are a few links that describe the use of CDBG funds for historic preservation projects:

http://www.nationaltrust.org/housing/toolkit_policy_CDBG.html

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/library/historicpreservation/historicpreservationlow.pdf

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/energyenviron/environment/subjects/preservation/documents/linkinghp.pdf

Also, don't forget that Hotel/Motel Tax Funds can also be used for historic preservation projects.