New Bern wins $24,000 CLG grant to update Riverside National Register documentation

The New Bern Historic Preservation Commission announced on Aug. 19 that its Certified Local Government (CLG) grant application was approved. The grant award is $24,000 with a required local match of $16,000, producing a $40,000 project to hire a consultant to update and resubmit documentation for the Riverside National Register Historic District (the existing inventory dates to 1988).

HPC administrator Matt Shelley told commissioners the grant will fund consultant work to update the district's National Register documentation and to prepare submittal to the National Park Service. Staff must complete the project by the end of February 2028. Shelley outlined an RFP and selection process: advertise to a short list of qualified consultants, evaluate proposals, and negotiate a contract; staff expects to evaluate proposals in the coming months and aimed to have a consultant on board in early 2027.

Shelley confirmed the award and match amount on the record: “Uh 24,000.” A commissioner later restated the match and total: $24,000 grant plus $16,000 local match for a $40,000 project. The commission discussed timeline expectations and the role commissioners might play in reviewing proposals and serving on a subcommittee to review finalists. Staff said the RFP and selection process should take a few months and that consultant work will include federally approved documentation to avoid submittal problems with the National Park Service.