Historic preservation triggers added grant information

Applicants for Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant money have more work to do. The State Historic Preservation Officer requires that any small city or county receiving the stimulus money must submit added detail on the buildings in which energy efficiency retrofits will take place. The California Energy Commission released the news Friday. This means applicants must submit a detailed list of retrofits along with the name, address, construction date and a photograph of all buildings getting new lighting, AC systems, thermostats or other upgrades. The information is to satisfy Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, which specifies that any measures on a historic structure accommodate historic preservation. All of the retrofits involving the members of the San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Partnership do not involve buildings on the historic register. However, members must still supply the state with the information.

Photo: Hotel St. Benedict Flats in Chicago courtesy the National Register of Historic Places.