Contacts:
Jason Gibbs, Office of the Governor, (802) 828-3333

Cambridge, Vt. - Governor Jim Douglas today announced $170,000 in 20 matching grants for the restoration and preservation of historic barns across Vermont.

Standing before the historic Boyden Farm Wagon and Sleigh Shed, built in 1850, Governor Douglas praised owners Lauri and Mark Boyden for their commitment to preserving the building, which received a $7,375 grant.

“This is an example of how these grants help encourage owners of barns in rural Vermont to repair and restore their historic landmarks so they can continue as parts of our working landscape,” the Governor said. “By partnering with state government, they can invest in saving these iconic structures for future generations.”

The grant program, administered by the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, provides owners of agricultural buildings with matching funding of up to $10,000 for a variety of capital repairs. Eligible projects include repairs to roofs, foundations, walls, sills and overall stabilization.

In making decisions on funding, the Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation prioritizes projects that ensure the continued use of significant agricultural buildings in critical need of repair. “This a very competitive program, because there are so many more worthy projects than we have funding for,” Governor Douglas said.

Since its inception twenty years ago, the program has provided more than $1.1 million and leveraged many millions more to bring new life to roughly 200 historic agricultural buildings.

“Every year we lose historic barns from failed roofs, frames and foundations; snow load; or fire,” Governor Douglas said. “We know that our state's rich agricultural heritage and working landscape draws visitors to Vermont, and preserving barns is an important part of strengthening both our tourism and agricultural industries.”

For more information, visit the Division for Historic Preservation site at: http://www.historicvermont.org/financial/barn.html