The State Historical Society of Iowa is offering a quarter-million dollars in emergency funds to help save historic properties damaged in the April 13th tornadoes in Iowa City and Johnson County. While initial damage estimates topped 12-million dollars, historical society spokesman Jeff Morgan says the 250-thousand dollars is a start.
Morgan says “We know this money is not enough to cover the entire amount but we are estimating and hoping it will be enough to help stabilize structures that were damaged in the storms and tornadoes so that they can be restored to their proper condition down the road.” Morgan says to be eligible, the property must be listed on, or eligible for, the National Register of Historic Places.
The plan will also have to be approved by the State Historic Preservation Office before work begins. The deadline to mail in the application is June 12th or in person by noon on June 13th to the Centennial Building in Iowa City. Morgan explains where the quarter-million dollars comes from and how it should be used.
The money comes through legislation sponsored by state Senator Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City and its Historic Resource Development funds, to bridge the gap between today and when the buildings can be fully restored under certain standards. For more information, call (515) 281-6913 or surf to “www.iowahistory.org”.