City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JANUARY 6, 2021
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Grant Application to the National Park Service, Save America's Treasures Program, to Support the Exterior Restoration of the Freedom House Museum.
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ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application to the National Park Service for up to $500,000 in funding to support the planned restoration of the Freedom House Museum.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1) Approve the application to the National Park Service, Save America’s Treasures (SAT) grant program, for up to $500,000;
2) Approve the acceptance of funds from the Save America’s Treasures grant for up to $500,000, if the grant is awarded; and
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: The Office of Historic Alexandria (OHA) seeks up to $500,000 from the National Park Service through the Save America’s Treasures grant program. This is a one-time funding opportunity open only to National Historic Landmark sites. Freedom House received this important designation in 1978. Grant funds would be matched by State funds allocated to the City of Alexandria in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s FY 2021 to FY 2022 budget and support the exterior and interior renovations of Freedom House. Exterior renovations include masonry repointing, wood renewal, siding replacement, painting, and roof repairs.
The Save America’s Treasures grant program was established in 1998 to help preserve nationally significant historic properties and collections. The SAT program is administered by the National Park Service (NPS) in cooperation with its partners, Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
FISCAL IMPACT: This grant, if awarded, will provide up to $500,000 to support the exterior restoration of Freedom House. A 1:1 cost share is required from non-federal sources; OHA will achieve cost share through FY 2021 state funding.
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
Gretchen Bulova, Director, Office of Historic Alexandria