New tag to benefit historic preservation

Wouldn't you like to see more local historic landmarks preserved for future generations? In May 2006, the Historic Preservation Division (HPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the availability of a new specialty tag for historic preservation. More than $20 from each $25 license tag fee will go to HPD's Georgia Heritage Grant Program, which provides funding to help preserve significant historic buildings and sites owned by local governments and nonprofit groups. A license plate order form is available online at www.gashpo.org or by calling (404) 656-2840.

Past Georgia Heritage Grant projects in the Central Savannah River Area include Carswell Grove Baptist Church in Jenkins County, 1995, 1996 and 1997, $30,000 total.

Increased grant funding is needed. In 1997, a special legislative study committee identified a $5 million per year goal for the Georgia Heritage Program. The grant program has not yet reached that goal; indeed, it reached its highest point in SFY 2002, at $500,000, and funding amounts have been cut gradually since Sept. 11, 2001.

The license plate can be reserved at county tag offices for a $25 specialty tag fee. After 1,000 orders have been received, the plate will then be produced by the Georgia Motor Vehicle Division. To find out more about the license plate and/or to use a mail-in order form to reserve a plate, visit the HPD's web site at www.gashpo.org or contact HPD's grant coordinator, Carole Moore, at (404) 463- 8434 or by e-mail at carolemoore@dnr.state.ga.us.

The Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources serves as Georgia's state historic preservation office. Their mission is to promote the preservation and use of historic places for a better Georgia. HPD's programs include archaeology protection and education, environmental review, grants, historic resource surveys, tax incentives, the National Register of Historic Places, community planning and technical assistance.

For more information, call (404) 656-2840 or visit the web site at www.gashpo.org.