Minnesota House Bill HF190

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23

Caption

Historic building facade grant program established for facade preservation in historic commercial districts, and money appropriated.

Impact

The bill allocates $3,000,000 from the state general fund for the fiscal year 2024 to finance this pilot program. Grants awarded must be utilized by property owners for the purpose of facade rehabilitation. Notably, any funds that remain unused after the completion of the project must revert to the Minnesota Historical Society for reinvestment into the general fund, ensuring that taxpayer money remains in circulation for other state needs.

Summary

House File 190 establishes a statewide historic building facade grant program aimed at preserving the facades of buildings located in specific historic commercial districts. This initiative is particularly targeted towards municipalities with smaller populations, specifically those with fewer than 15,000 residents or towns with under 10,000 residents, coupled with a commercial historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The program is designed to provide financial assistance to local governments for facade rehabilitation that adheres to federal and state historical preservation standards.

Contention

While the bill has received support for its role in promoting heritage and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of historic districts, there may be discussion regarding the effective deployment of state funds. Stakeholders may raise concerns regarding the criteria for eligibility and whether the designated amount sufficiently meets the needs of the municipalities involved. Additionally, ensuring compliance with federal standards for facade rehabilitation could create bureaucratic hurdles that might deter potential applicants.