Livingston commission supports pursuing National Historic Landmark nomination for Depot and applying for grant funding

Members of the Historic Preservation Commission discussed nominating the Depot building for National Historic Landmark status and pursuing competitive state grant funding to hire a qualified consultant.

The preservation officer said the depot — which played a major role in regional rail travel to Yellowstone — could be a viable candidate for a National Historic Landmark nomination and that local museum leadership is supportive. "I did finally talk to Laura Coda, who is the depot museum director. She is on board with this," the officer said.

She explained the competitive funding program could provide about $10,000, which is roughly the amount consultants commonly charge to prepare a National Historic Landmark nomination. The officer said the commission could apply for the competitive grant and use the money to hire someone experienced in NHL nominations, because the work requires a consultant familiar with federal review criteria.

Commissioners expressed support for pursuing the nomination and asked staff to prepare a grant application. The officer said she would draft the application and consult state contacts on the likelihood of support.

Next steps: staff will prepare a grant application and gather documentation from the Depot Museum to support a consultant-led nomination effort.