The Washington State Department of Archaeology & Preservation is accepting applications for funding through the Heritage Barn Rehabilitation Grant Program.

Part of the state’s Heritage Barn Preservation Initiative established in 2007, the grant program assists with rehabilitation projects designed to stabilize and preserve designated Heritage Barns across the state.

Heritage Barn Grant funding has provided assistance to 46 Heritage Barns throughout Washington.

“This program is made possible because of the tremendous dedication and passion owners have for their historic barns,” said Jerri Honeyford, Chair of the Barn Advisory Committee that oversees the initiative. “Washington’s agricultural heritage is a rich component of our state’s history and we applaud those who continue to serve as stewards of these remarkable structures.”

Rehabilitation grants are awarded through a competitive application process. In three funding rounds, the Barn Advisory Committee has reviewed nearly 240 grant applications. Criteria for funding include the historical significance of the barn, urgency of needed repairs, and provision for long-term preservation. Priority is given to barns that remain in agricultural use.

“The Heritage Barn Preservation Initiative has achieved the objectives of saving historic barns while raising awareness and educating the public about the role agriculture continues to play in terms of economic development and heritage tourism,” notes Dr. Allyson Brooks, director of the State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation.  “Washington State now boasts over 500 designated Heritage Barns spread across all 39 counties statewide, and our agency looks forward to building on the success of the program in the coming biennium.”

Historic agricultural structures listed in the Heritage Barn Register, the Washington Heritage Register, or the National Register of Historic Places, are eligible to receive grant funds.

To be eligible for listing in the Heritage Barn Register, barns must be over 50 years old and retain a significant degree of historic integrity. All nomination/application materials related to the Heritage Barn Register and the Heritage Barn Rehabilitation Grant Program can be downloaded from DAHP’s website, www.dahp.wa.gov/heritage-barn-register.

Barn owners with questions about the program are encouraged to contact Chris Moore at (206) 624-9449 or via email at cmoore@preservewa.org. Grant applications are due Monday, Oct. 28, 2013, with grant awards slated to be announced in early 2014.