SNOHOMISH COUNTY’S HERITAGE PROGRAM ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS

Snohomish County’s Community Heritage Program is currently accepting applications from public and nonprofit agencies for projects that develop and promote heritage preservation in the county. By providing matching funds on a competitive basis, the Community Heritage Program supports projects that promote the public’s access to county history. Funding is available for professional development, public education, capital improvements or collections enhancement. Money is awarded 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, which may include preservation of historic documents” is authorized under state law. The revenues accrue to a dedicated fund and may not be used for any purposes other than those stipulated in the RCW. As has been done in the past, the Snohomish County Historic Preservation Commission will review applications and make recommendations to Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon and the County Council for final approval. Previous awards have been used to create a cyber tour of heritage landmarks across Snohomish County, to collect oral histories of Snohomish County citizens for an audio anthology, to purchase archival materials to properly store museum collections and to expand the Western Heritage Center. Funds will be available in June and will be awarded on a competitive basis to applicants who can complete their proposed projects by Dec. 15, 2011. Funds are reimbursed for approved project costs only. Historically, project allocations have averaged about $3,500. Eligibility details and program requirements are included in the application package, which must be filled out and returned to the Snohomish County Office of Economic Development by 5 p.m. Monday, April 4. Applications received after that time and date will not be considered. Applications are available at their website or 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.