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Commission discusses CLG grant targets: Chena Building, stamp mills and archaeology; staff capacity flagged
Summary
Commissioners explored applying for Certified Local Government funding for the Chena Building and for documentation/archaeology of historic stamp mills; SHPO said multiple sites can be included but borough staff cautioned limited administrative capacity.
The Historic Preservation Commission discussed possible Certified Local Government (CLG) grant projects, including an application for the Chena Building and a proposed documentation and archaeological-recording project for multiple historic stamp mills in the Fairbanks area.
Maria Lewis of the State Historic Preservation Office told commissioners, “we don't have an update on a future 2025 CLG grant. However, we have left the 2024 application package on the, on our website to facilitate, you and others, the chance to see what the package will likely be for our 2025 grant program.” Commissioners used the briefing to raise project ideas and calendar considerations: one commissioner noted an application deadline and the commission discussed preparing proposals in time for the next regular meeting cycle.
Commissioners proposed multiple possible projects. Several commissioners suggested documenting two extant stamp mills — identified in the meeting as the Hiyu (H I Y U) Mill off Fairbanks Creek Road and a mill on Ester Creek variously called the Hudson or Beegler Mill — and adding smaller mills near St. Patrick Road and off Henderson. Josh and others emphasized that archaeological survey around stamp sites should be part of documentation plans.
Maria Lewis said a single CLG application can include multiple similar resources if they are comparable; she also left the group with guidance that grant applications typically post in late fall. Planning staff cautioned about borough capacity: Melissa Kellner said staff “has very little capacity to help administer grant projects” and urged commissioners to consider narrowing to one strong application or to plan how the commission would reduce staff workload. Commissioners discussed splitting responsibilities so commissioners could take on portions of project work and reduce the administrative burden.
Commissioners referenced existing resources: Professor Paul White and the American Mining History community have previously documented stamp-mill resources and staff said those materials may be available to build an application. Commissioners agreed to consider project scoping during the summer so the commission could bring an application forward at the September meeting if desired.
No formal application decisions or votes were taken at the June 3 meeting; commissioners were asked to bring refined project ideas to the September meeting so staff could assess capacity and next steps.
