Walker County is one of six communities across Georgia receiving federal grant funding to support historic preservation efforts.
The Georgia State Historic Preservation Office, a division of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, recently announced more than $125,000 in Historic Preservation Fund subgrants for projects across the state.
Walker County will receive $20,180 to complete the third phase of a resurvey of historic resources throughout the county.
The first phase of the project focused on the southeastern portion of Walker County, while the second phase examined potentially historic resources located between Highway 151 and West Armuchee Valley Road.
During the third phase, officials plan to review approximately 523 potentially historic resources. Those include residential and commercial buildings, community landmarks and agricultural buildings, as well as structures and objects such as water towers, wells, bridges, fortifications, sculptures, monuments and fountains.
The Phase 3 survey area uses State Route 337 as its western boundary until it connects with the Trans American Trail, which serves as the northern boundary. State Route 151 forms the eastern boundary until its connection with the Trans American Trail, while the Walker County line serves as the southern boundary.
The project is part of the federal Historic Preservation Fund grant program. Georgia’s 100 Certified Local Governments are eligible each year to apply for matching grants, which are funded 60 percent through federal dollars and 40 percent through local funding.
To qualify as a federal Certified Local Government, a city or county must adopt a historic preservation ordinance and establish a historic preservation commission.
Historic Preservation Fund grants can be used for a variety of preservation projects beyond historic resource surveys, including archaeological surveys, design guidelines and publications. Funding may also support educational, promotional and tourism-related preservation activities.
