When Colorado voters approved a constitutional amendment in 1990 that set aside a portion of gambling tax revenues from Central City, Black Hawk and Cripple Creek casinos to be used for historic preservation projects throughout the state, they had no idea how far-reaching and beneficial their actions would be.
Nor did they have any idea how many other groups would want a share of that cash cow, to the point where the fund is now in danger of being misappropriated.
The first State Historical Fund grants were awarded in 1993 to public and non-profit organizations to preserve Colorado’s architectural and archaeological treasures for public benefit. Since then, more than $192 million has been given in a competitive matching grants program to more than 3,000 preservation projects in all 64 counties.
Town halls, historic schools, courthouses and agricultural resources have been saved. Buildings that define the character and illuminate the history of our towns have been repaired and given new life. Community pride and property values have bloomed.
In 2005, a study found that historic preservation incentive programs resulted in $918 million in direct spending, and leveraged more than $2 billion in total investment. The projects generated more than 28,966 jobs, $40.6 million in sales taxes, $5.5 million in business income taxes, and $14.8 million in personal income taxes.
Instead of demolishing old buildings, communities recycle them, saving resources and reducing the amount of building debris sent to landfills. It’s the original sustainable approach.
At a Colorado Preservation Inc. conference Feb. 6-8, participants talked about how their towns were revitalized by historic preservation, and how essential the State Historical Fund was to those efforts. But there also was concern that the state may deplete the SHF for other uses. “Save the Fund” was a constant plea.
It’s far more than just rejuvenating old buildings. Thriving Old West towns attract visitors.
The SHF received 22.4 percent of the gaming tax revenues. You have that much money and everyone wants a piece. State projects and properties have taken $53.3 million, or a quarter of all the grants made over the years. Of that, $30 million went to the State Capitol for Life Safety projects, and $731,000 to the Governor’s Mansion.
By February 2007, more than $7 million had gone to state colleges and universities for building preservation and cultural and historic studies. State parks have grants for archaeological surveys, historic booklets, interpretive training, roof repairs. Other agencies have received grants as well — and want more.
The State Historical Society, which runs the Colorado History Museum and 11 regional museums and sites, is administrator of the State Historical Fund. Several years ago, the legislature removed the society’s operating budget from the state’s General Fund, so instead it gets SHF dollars. In fiscal 2007, it received $7.1 million, or 31.6 percent of the SHF’s distribution.
With a new museum on the agenda, possibly costing $100 million or more, the society is surely looking to the fund for financing. But the original amendment specifies grants are “for restoration or preservation to structures that have historical significance . . . originally constructed more than 50 years prior to the date of the application.” Not for new construction — but where’s there’s money, there’s always an attempt.
All of this has drastically diminished statewide grant money. In 2000, 85 percent of the fund went to statewide grants, but last year it was just 44 percent. There are several proposals in the current legislature that could drastically diminish or totally erase the grants program.
The State Historical Fund is a sterling example of how voters can indeed improve their surroundings, and the state itself, immeasurably. The legislature should leave it alone.
