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Committee narrows historic-preservation grants list and reduces maximum award
Summary
House Bill 12, which funds historic-preservation projects, was amended to reduce maximum grants and exclude certain modern upgrades; members debated how to balance funding across communities and the appropriate use of accommodation and campground tax revenue.
Representative Jay Fitzpatrick explained amendments to House Bill 12, the historic-preservation grants bill administered by the Department of Commerce, saying the subcommittee sought to spread limited available funds to more projects and to prioritize exterior building-envelope and critical internal utility repairs over modern upgrades.
The subcommittee reduced the maximum grant from $500,000 to $350,000, did not re-fund projects that received money in 2023 to "share the wealth," and prioritized projects that preserve building envelopes and public access. Fitzpatrick said the committee avoided funding projects with limited public benefit or commercial office conversions.
Representative Weber described how historic preservation funds can be used for interior safety projects, accessibility upgrades and other work that makes buildings usable; he cited an example in his district where funding removed a bat colony and restored usable space. Weber said applications are extensive and reviewed by Department of Commerce Main Street staff, SHPO and the Tourism Advisory Council before subcommittee ranking.
Representative Millette opposed use of the funding, arguing that the accommodation and campground tax (the stated source in committee materials) is paid largely by tourists and should be returned to communities or used to offset local burdens. Millette urged returning surplus revenues to taxpayers rather than funding historic restoration projects statewide.
The committee removed $200,000 recommended for the Granite County Museum in Phillipsburg after the museum board terminated a workforce-housing project tied to the grant; that money will be available for reallocation in the Senate. The amendment passed and the committee recommended HB12 "do pass." The clerk recorded 61 ayes and 39 no votes on the reported action.
Clarifying details: the bill's applications were submitted in February 2024; subcommittee reviewers used eight criteria to rank projects. The subcommittee also limited funding to work preserving the physical structure (envelope) and essential internal systems, excluding items such as modern security systems, elevators and parking lots.
The committee action advances HB12 to further House consideration.
