The State of Montana Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has designated the City of Billings as a Preserve America Community. In 2008, SHPO granted the Old Town Neighbors, Inc. a Preserve America Grant in the amount of $11,750, with an additional $15,750 matched by the Old Town Neighbors, Inc., through the redefined Downtown Tax Increment Finance District. The total project amount is $27,500. The Old Town Neighbors, Inc. , is a non-profit organization composed of property owners along Minnesota Avenue who have a desire to create the Old Town Historic District.

The original grant deadline for the Preserve America grant was March 1, 2010. The Old Town Neighbors, Inc. has requested and received an extension of the grant deadline until May 31, 2010. This extension was requested to complete the National Register Nomination for the Old Town Historic District. While the City has not directly had to provide funds for this project, the City is the sponsor for the grant and must approve any changes to the grant award. SHPO has approved this extension and attached are 2 copies of Amendment A to the Preserve America Agreement for the Authorized Representative (Mayor) to sign.

The City Council May:

• Approve the amendment to the contract with SHPO to extend the grant deadline.
• Deny the amendment to the contract with SHPO to extend the grant deadline.

There is no financial impact to approving the amendment. The amendment would allow an additional 2 months to complete the National Register Nomination for the Old Town Historic District.

Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the Mayor to sign the amended Preserve America Grant for a time extension to May 31, 2010.