Governor’s Budget Includes More Than $4 Million for Preservation!

With input from the Governor’s Council on Historic & Cultural Properties, Governor Brian Schweitzer released his state budget in early November.  The “Yellow Book” as it is known to those on the inside, includes more than $4 million to meet urgent historic preservation needs across the state by making substantial investment in key state-owned properties and programs. Topping the list are $3 million for Virginia & Nevada Cities, $15 million for FWP of which $1 million is earmarked for heritage parks including Bannack and Rosebud Battlefield, and $250,000 for the Main Street program.  In addition, $200 million are allocated for the State’s Long-Range Building Program, which includes numerous historic buildings.

This funding is a major step by the State of Montana to strengthen stewardship of state-owned heritage properties.   The budget reflects recommendations formulated by the Governor’s Council following a year of study, 4 public meetings and in-depth research by MPA on topics ranging from preservation economics to best practices on state stewardship of heritage properties to civic and heritage tourism. 

According to a rough inventory the state of Montana owns approximately 2,000 buildings.  Of these, about 700 are historic, including 250 at Virginia and Nevada Cities, and 60 at Bannack State Park.  The council recognized that state agencies must be active partners to improve management, planning and long-term viability of the state’s heritage properties.  And they identified both funding strategies and policies that would greatly advance the preservation of important state assets. These include:

Beyond one-time-only funding to address the most imminent needs, there are several policies the council seeks to see implemented, that would offer greater incentives and encouragement to agencies and individuals hoping to preserve Montana’s heritage.  The council recommends Inventory and Condition Assessment of State-Owned Historic Buildings with active state agency participation; strengthening State Policies for Agency Stewardship of State-Owned Properties by encouraging continued use, responsible maintenance and proactive planning; and authorizing Stewardship of Publicly Owned Buildings through long term lease agreements with non-profit groups interested in preservation and reuse.

Policies for Local Preservation & Stewardship of
Montana’s Heritage Properties

The findings, due out in January 2007, focus upon a program of 2020 Vision for Montana: Preservation & Stewardship of State Heritage Properties. The Council’s Vision highlights strategies and policies that look beyond the year 2020, providing much-needed funding and guidance for a state-wide stewardship program.