County approves HRDP grant application to pursue National Register nomination for Mississippi Courts

Muscatine County supervisors on April 20 approved a Historic Resource Development Program (HRDP) grant application to prepare a National Register nomination for the Mississippi Courts historic district.

Lynn Pruitt, a member of the Historic Preservation Commission, told the board the commission recently updated a county publication on historic transportation and identified Mississippi Courts — a collection of cabins and one larger structure along Highway 22 near Fairport — as a priority nomination. Pruitt said the site dates to a 1910 bungalow with cabins added in 1936 and represents pre‑motel tourist accommodations.

Chris Brace, chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, confirmed he had met with the property owner, who signed the required waiver allowing the commission to pursue the nomination. The application totals $6,964, with a requested grant award of $4,500, a $2,290 cash match and $174 in in‑kind services.

A supervisor asked whether National Register listing would impose restrictions on the owner; Pruitt and Brace said listing does not compel the owner to preserve the property or restrict private use but can make the site eligible for grants and other restoration funding. The board moved and approved the application; staff said a consultant is already selected and volunteer hours will be provided if the grant is awarded.

The commission noted the HRDP application deadline is at the end of the month and that the nomination is competitive across the state.