Title
Preserve America Community Designation (B)
This item involves nominating the City of Gainesville as a Preserve America Community.
Explanation
Preserve America is a White House initiative that was announced by First Lady Laura Bush on March 3, 2003. Developed in cooperation with a number of federal agency partners, Preserve America supports community efforts for the preservation and enjoyment of our priceless cultural and natural heritage. The primary objective is to focus on economic benefits of historic preservation such as heritage tourism. Within Preserve America lies a multi-faceted program that includes Presidential Awards, Preserve America Communities, Technical and Financial Support, and Educational Outreach. Using these tools the program stimulates interest in learning about our nation's heritage, recognizes and supports local preservation efforts, and encourages people to take advantage of the great cultural and natural assets of our country to improve economic health and the quality of life in our communities.
One of the program strategies is to recognize Preserve America Communities that protect and celebrate their local heritage. A direct benefit of community designation is eligibility for the Preserve America grants program. In 2006 and 2007 each, the Federal budget offered nearly $5 million in matching grants and is proposing $10 million for 2008. Funded projects are categorized by 1)research and documentation, 2)interpretation and education, 3)planning, 4)marketing, and 5)training with individual grants ranging from $20,000 to $150,000 Federal share, which when matched equals $40,000 to $300,000 total project funding.
In addition, as a Preserve America Community the City of Gainesville is eligible for the following program benefits: White House recognition, certificate of recognition, a Preserve America Community road sign, logo authorization, listing in a Web-based Preserve America Community directory, national and regional press releases, and enhanced community visibility and pride. In the state of Florida, Preserve America Communities include: Coral Gables, Daytona Beach, Dunedin, Fort Myers, Key West, Kissimmee, St. Augustine, Miami, Sanford, and St. Petersburg. They join almost 600 other communities nationally, and Gainesville will add to the diversity upon successful nomination.
Fiscal Note
None.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) Hear a presentation by staff; and 2) direct staff to submit an application for Preserve America Community status.