Oregon Heritage, a division of the state Parks and Recreation Department, awarded 20 grants totaling $300,000 for historic properties and archeology projects.
Six of the grants were awarded in the "Diamonds in the Rough" category. This grant funds façade enhancements that restore the historic character of a property.
The other 14 grants were in the "Preserving Oregon" category for properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and archeology projects.
Locally funded projects include a Southern Oregon University study to develop a plastic identification tool. Another local project is preservation of Talent Town Hall. Potential future projects include preservation of the Caretaker's Cottage at Riverside Park in Grants Pass.
These grants are approved by the State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation, a nine-member group that receives nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The members are professionally recognized in the fields of history, architecture, archeology and other related disciplines.
For more information about the grant program, please visit "oregonheritage.org."
