In accordance with recently signed legislation, $4 million from the State Historical Fund will be dedicated to the restoration of the State Capitol dome this year.
House Bill 1402 and Senate Bill 192 create a public-private financing and fundraising strategy to repair the Capitol’s iconic but deteriorating gold dome. The $4 million is expected to pay for the initial start-up cost during the first year of restoration.
Last week, History Colorado’s Board of Directors voted to reduce the number of 2010 State Historical Fund grant rounds from two to one this year in order to accommodate the $4 million. As a result, there will not be a grant round in October. The next State Historical Fund grant round will be in April.
During the next two years, Colorado Preservation Inc. will spearhead a citizens’ campaign to raise funds for the restoration. History Colorado expects to allocate additional funding the following two years, depending on the amount of private funds raised.
“While we recognize that Colorado’s State Capitol and its signature gold dome is one of this state’s most historic and celebrated landmarks, and we are proud to help fund its restoration, we strongly believe that communities and individuals can play an important role in restoring the dome, and we support Colorado Preservation Inc. in its citizens’ campaign to raise the additional dollars needed for this project,” said Edward C. Nichols, president and CEO of History Colorado, the Colorado Historical Society.
Approximately 64 grant applications requesting nearly $12 million from the April grant round are still in the review process. Announcements regarding those grants will take place in August. Information about alternative funding sources for potential grant applicants will be available on the historycolorado.org website under State Historical Fund.
“We understand that there are concerns about reducing statewide grants in order to accommodate the restoration of the Capitol dome,” said Steve Turner, director of the State Historical Fund. “However, the State Historical Fund remains dedicated to serving communities with vital preservation projects that generate economic development and community pride.”
