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Shot Tower Save America's Treas D~~@UE ~ck~ MEMORANDUM May 10, 2004 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Save America's Treasures Grant for the Dubuque Shot Tower Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens recommends City Council approval to submit a grant application for $300,000 from the Save America's Treasures program for rehabilitation of the Dubuque Shot Tower. The $300,000 match for this project will be provided from $200,000 budgeted in the Vision Iowa project and the $100,000 Historic Sites Preservation grant from the State Historical Society of Iowa. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. fYttJvt lt~ A i Mtchael C. Van Milligen ' MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager ;;;~ ~e ::: - c:o ?2 ~ ~ck~ MEMORANDUM May 10,2004 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager~ SUBJECT: Save America's Treasures Grant for the Dubuque Shot Tower INTRODUCTION This memo transmits a resolution and an application to the National Park Service (NPS) for a $300,000 Save America's Treasures grant for rehabilitation of the Dubuque Shot Tower. DISCUSSION The City Council has budgeted $200,000 in the Vision Iowa project for rehabilitation of the Shot Tower. The City has received a $100,000 Historic Sites Preservation grant from the State Historical Society of Iowa for the rehabilitation of the Shot Tower. The City's budgeted funds and the $100,000 state grant provide the $300,000 needed to match the $300,000 Save America's Treasures grant. The City submitted a similar grant application the last two years, but was not successful. The National Park Service has encouraged us to resubmit the project for this year's grant cycle. These grants are available for preservation and conservation work on nationally significant historic structures and sites. As one of only a few shot towers in the United States and the only one west of the Mississippi River, we believe that the Dubuque Shot Tower will compete well in this NPS program. This federal grant will enable the City to rehab the Shot Tower, to build a non- combustible stairway in the tower leading to the top of the tower, to replace the roof, and to install protective barricades around the base of the tower. These improvements will stabilize the current deterioration and enhance the tower's education and tourism values. RECOMMENDATION I recommend that the City Council authorize the submittal of a grant application for $300,000 from the Save America's Treasures program for rehabilitation of the Dubuque Shot Tower. LC/mkr Prepared by: Laura Carstens. City Planner Address: City Hall. 50 W. 13th St. Telephone: 589-4210 RESOLUTION NO. 205-04 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION FOR REHABILITATION OF THE DUBUQUE SHOT TOWER Whereas, the National Park Service makes historic preservation grants available to preserve nationally significant historic structures; and . Whereas, the City of Dubuque has sufficient matching funds for the Save America's Treasures grant program; and Whereas, the City and State of Iowa have determined that the Dubuque Shot Tower is nationally significantly; and Whereas, the City has developed a plan for the rehabilitation of the Dubuque Shot Tower. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA Section 1. The Mayor hereby is authorized to sign the Save America's Treasures grant application to the National Park Service. Section 2. That the Planning Services Manager is hereby authorized to submit the grant application to the National Park Service. Section 3. The City Manager is hereby authorized to expend budgeted funds for the local match of $200,000. Passed, approved and adopted this 17th day of May, 2004. Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor. Attest: Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk ~w Save America's Treasures FY 2004 Historic Preservation Fund Grants to Preserve Nationally Significant Intellectual and Cultural Artifacts and Historic Structures and Sites ApPLICATION Please follow the Guidelines and Application Instructions to complete this application. Applicants must submit one (1) signed original and six (6) copies - a total of 7 - complete application packages Q!.i.!§. one (1) additional photocopy of this page for each project. See Additional Information on page 9 for program contacts and instructions on how to receive an electronic version of this application. 1. PROJECT INFORMATION Historic Property or Collection Name Rehabilitation of the DubuQue Shot Tower Historic Property or Collection Address Commercial Street and Mississippi RiverITont City DubuQue County DubuQue Congressional District --L State ~ Zip 52001 Type of project (select only one) Historic district - Site- Building -X- Structure - Object - Artifact - Collection - Document - Sculpture - Wonk of art- Amount Requested (Federal share) $ 300.000 TOTAL Project Cost $ 600.000 2. APPLICANT AND PROJECT DIRECTOR APPLICANT AGENCY I ORGANIZATION Authorizing Official's Name Terrance M. Duggan Title Mayor Organization City of DubuQue Address City Hall- 50 W. 13'" Street City DubuQue Phone 563/589-4120 Fax 563/589-0890 State IA Zip 52001 e-mail PROJECT DIRECTOR (if different from Authorizing Official) Name Laura Carstens Title Planning Services Manager Organization City of DubuQue Address City Hall- 50 W. 13'" Street City DubuQue Phone 563/589-4210 Fax 563/589-4221 State IA Zip 52001 e-mail planning(Q)cityofdubuQue.org 3. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZING OFFICIAL The applicant's authorizing official must sign and date this form. Signatures must be original and in ink. Signature Date FY 2004 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants - Application Page 1 of 10 4. OWNERSHIP AND PROOF OF NONPROFIT STATUS Does the applicant own this historic properly or collection? -1L- Yes _No If the applicant does not own this property, attach a letter explaining the relationship between the owner and the applicant and the authority under which the applicant will be the grantee of record to undertake work on the properly or collection. The letter must be on the owner's letterhead and must be signed by the owner's authorizing official. If the applicant is not a Federal agency, proof of nonprofit status must be attached to this application. Proof of nonprofit status may be: A copy of the Federal IRS letter indicating the applicant's eligibility for nonprofit status under the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended. An official document identifying the applicant as a unit of state, tribal, or local government or other tax-exempt multipurpose organization. If prepared specifically for this application, the certification must be on the parent organization letterhead and certified by an official of the parent organization. Please note - A ietter of sales tax exemption is not acceptable as proof of nonprofit status. 5. DOCUMENTATION A minimum of four (4), 4"x6" or larger black and white or color photographs must accompany each copy of the application. Photographs must include views of the historic properly or collection and views specifically documenting the threat or damage to the properly or collection. Photographs must be labeled. Photocopies and photographs submitted electronically will not be accepted. Photographs will not be retumed. Please note - Submission of printed digital photographs will not disqualify an application; however, photographs of lesser quality could affect reviewers' evaluation of an application. 6. PROJECT SUMMARY In the space below, briefly summarize the proposed project. Discuss the national significance of the historic properly or collection, its current condition, the nature of the threat, the proposed preservation and/or conservation work, and the project's public benefit. One continuation sheet may be attached; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide brief, concise narratives. The Dubuque Shot Tower was constructed in 1856 to manufacture lead shot ammunition. It is one of only a few remaining shot towers in the United States, and the only one west of the Mississippi River. It produced lead shot from 1856-58, and then was closed. It was briefly refurbished for use during the fITSt year of the Civil War. The Standard Lumber Company used the tower as a fire watchtower from the late 1880s until the company was destroyed in the 1911 lumberyard fIre. The tower stood deserted in its post-fire ruin from 1911 to 1959. In 1960-61, the tower exterior was tuck-pointed, wooden louvers were placed inside the windows and concrete sills replaced lost stone sills. The interior walls were coated with a concrete mixture. A concrete encasement and limestone walls topped with a wrought iron fence were installed around the base, presumably to protect the tower from the nearby rail cars and semi-tractor trailers. A hatch was cut in the pre-cast concrete roof and a lightning protection system was installed. In 2001, a structural assessment of the Shot Tower completed for the City of Dubuque by a local engineering finn noted several areas of damage and deterioration. Vertical cracks in the brick below window openings, several vertical cracks, and surface erosion of various limestone lintels are present. The original soft lime mortar is extensively exposed and the more recent pointing mortar is thin and broken off in most areas. In some places the original mortar has eroded from behind the pointing mortar. The Shot Tower also has a hazardous accumulation of bird droppings found in the interior space, and a number of nest holes bored into the masonry. The areas of damage need to be treated appropriately before they progress any further. The Shot Tower is threatened with continued deterioration if it is not rehabilitated. The project is for rehabilitation of the Shot Tower. The proposed work includes stabilization of the tower structure, an archeological survey in and around the tower, construction of a non-combustible interior stairway leading to the top of the 117- foot tower for improved maintenance access and increased stability, a new roof to prevent further deterioration, and installation of protective barriers to safeguard the Shot Tower from vehicular damage from rail cars and semi-tractor trailers that serve the adjacent industrial use. Page 2 of 10 FY 2004 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants - Application 7. NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE (30 POINTS) Applications for collections or historic properties not meeting this criterion will receive no further consideration. Complete either section A or section B, as appropriate. A. HISTORIC PROPERTIES Check one of the following and complete item "eo. a)- The district, site, building, structure, or object is: Designated as a National Historic Landmarik. (30 points) b)~ c)- d)- Listed in the National Register of Historic Places for national significance. (25 points) Please note that properties can be listed in the National Register for significance at the local, state, or national level; most properties are not listed for national significance. The level of significance can be found in Section 3 - State/Federal Agency Certification of the property's approved National Register nomination. Contact your State Historic Preservation Office if you have questions about the level of significance or do not have a copy of the approved nomination. If the property is listed for local or state significance, see item "dO below. Determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places for national significance by the Keeper of the National Register. (25 points) Documentation of this determination by the Keeper must be attached to the application. If funded, the grantee must submit a National Register nomination to the State Historic Preservation Office within 12 months. Nomination preparation costs may be included in Application Section 9, Project Budget. Evaluated as eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places for national significance by the State Historic Preservation Office. (up to 20 points) The State Historic Preservation Office evaluates a property according to criteria specified in 36 CFR 60 - National Register of Historic Places and may determine that the property is eligible for listing for significance at the local, state or national level. The property must be determined to be eligible for listing for national significance in order to be eligible for a Save America's Treasures grant. A letter from the State Historic Preservation Office clearly stating that the building has been evaluated and is considered to be eligible for listing for national significance and explaining the reasons why it is nationally significant must be attached to the application. In order to meet this criterion, the letter must state that the building is considered to be eligible for listing for national significance and explain the reasons for that determination. Letters sent separately will not be considered part of the application. If funded, the grantee must submit a National Register nomination, or an amended nomination supporting the national significance if the property is currently listed for state or local significance, to the State Historic Preservation Office within 12 months. Nomination preparation costs may be included in Application Section 9, Project Budget. e) Explain the reasons why the property is nationally significant. One continuation sheet may be attached; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide brief, concise narratives. The Dubuque Shot Tower is nationally significant under Criteria A and C because it is a rare and unique surviving example of the shot tower property type. It is the only tapered square obelisk shot tower example. It is the only surviving mid-I 9'" Century example of its type and the only surviving shot tower that represents lead shot production technology of its time. On February 14, 2003, the State National Register Nominations Review Committee of the State Historical Society of Iowa approved the City of Dubuque's revised, expanded, and updated National Register nomination for listing the Dubuque Shot Tower with national significance. Section 8, Statement of Significance of the property's National Register nomination fonD is attached. The accepted nomination has been forwarded to the National Park Service. The City of Dubuque also is in the process of nominating the Dubuque Shot Tower for designation as a National Historic Landmark. FY 2004 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants - Application Page30f10 7. NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE (CONTINUED) B. COLLECTIONS In the space below, describe the collection and document the national historical, artistic, scientific and I or cultural significance of the collection. Guidance on national significance is provided in the Guidelines and Application Instructions, page 3. The description and documentation must be clear to individuals not familiar with the collection. Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide brief, concise narratives. Not applicable. FY 2004 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants - Application Page 4 of 10 8. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Additional sheets may be attached; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide brief, concise narratives. A. WHAT IS THE THREAT TO THE HISTORIC PROPERTY OR COLLECTION? (25 POINTS) Describe the current physical condition and the source(s), nature, extent, and severity of the threat, danger, or damage to the historic property or collection. The 2001 structural assessment of the Shot Tower was conducted by a local engineering firm using a crane service to closely inspect each face of the tower for the full height. Several areas of damage were noted. The most significant items of distress in the basic building materials include vertical cracks in the brick below window openings at isolated locations and several vertical cracks and surface erosion of various limestone lintels. The original soft lime mortar is extensively exposed and the harder, more brittle, pointing mortar that was applied in 1960-61 is quite thin and already broken off in most areas. Significant areas were observed where the original mortar has eroded ITom behind the pointing mortar, leaving a thin shell of pointing mortar suspended in ITont of the wall surface. It does not appear that the original mortar was ground out before applying the pointing mortar, so very little surface contact between the masonry units and the pointing mortar is provided. It also appears that a relatively brittle mix was used for the pointing mortar that did not provide sufficient flexibility. The surface of the old mortar can be scraped away easily with a pocketlrnife to a depth of>', to % inches. The replacement of the concrete windowsills is needed due to the long-term damage that this has caused by allowing water to pass into the masonry below. Additional joint and masonry unit damage is noted in these areas. The tower also has suffered damage ITom birds, with a significant accumulation of bird droppings found in the interior space, and a number of nest holes bored into the masonry. The accumulation of bird droppings constitutes a hazard that must be mitigated for public health and stabilization of the tower. Construction of a non-combustible interior stairway leading to the top of the 117-foot tower for is needed for improved maintenance access and increased stability. The Shot Tower suffered ITom a fire in 1911 that destroyed the original wooden stairway, leaving no ready means to access the tower interior for maintenance. A new rubber-membrane roof is needed to replace the pre-cast concrete cap installed over 40 years ago. This new roof will prevent further deterioration of the Shot Tower due to infiltration by water and birds. In 1991, an empty rail car jumped the tracks of the rail siding west of the Shot Tower, and ran into the tower. This resulted in a hole through the 33-inch thick limestone wall at the base of the tower. This damage was repaired by the City of Dubuque. Installation of protective barriers is included in the project costs to safegnard the Shot Tower ITom further vehicular damage ITom rail cars and semi-tractor trailers that serve the adjacent industrial use. FY 2004 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants - Application Page 5 of 10 8. PROJECT DESCRIPTION (CONTINUED) Additional sheets may be attached; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide brief, concise narratives. B. WHAT WORK WILL BE SUPPORTED BY THIS GRANT AND HOW WILL IT MITIGATE THE THREAT TO THE HISTORIC PROPERTY OR COLLECTION? (25 POINTS) The following points must be addressed: Describe the key project activities and products to be supported by this grant and the non-Federal match. Describe how the work will significantly diminish or eliminate the threat, danger, or damage to the historic property or collection. Explain any pre-project planning or research, such as Historic Structures Reports or Collection Condition Assessments, on which project decisions are based. List the key personnel undertaking the work and briefly describe their qualifications. If personnel have not been selected, briefly describe the qualifications you will require. (Please note: Do not send vitae. Consultants must be selected competitively.) Describe how the project will have a clear public benefit. Explain how your organization will ensure continued maintenance of the historic property or collection in the context of your organization-wide preservation or conservation activities. On a separate sheet, provide a timeline for project completion, including each major activity with a schedule for its completion and its cost. Projects must be completed within the grant period, which is generally 2 to 3 years. The Dubuque Shot Tower needs to be treated appropriately at this time to prevent further deterioration. The general scope of work includes the most long-range cost effective solutions to correct these conditions. The intent of this scope of work is to restore the integrity of the tower and to provide amenities that make the tower accessible to the public. The work will be perfonned by qualified, licensed, and bonded contractors who are experienced in preservation of historic properties in accordance with federal standards, under the supervision of professional registered engineers, hazardous materials consultants, and archeologists who also are experienced in preservation work and restoration of historic buildings. The major work items that will significantly diminish or eliminate the above-described threat to the Shot Tower include: Remove bird droppings from the interior; Install tie rods to address cracked brick masonry; Conduct archeological investigation in and around the Tower, and interpret findings; Remove insect screens and louvers from window openings; Install new limestone sills, galvanized perimeter angles and bird screen at all openings; Tuck-point the interior and exterior; Replace damaged brick and limestone units; Remove loose materials from the interior walls; Install a non-combustible stair inside the Tower extending to the rooftop for improved maintenance and instability; Replace existing pre-cast concrete cap with a new wood framed top floor and membrane roof to stabilize the tower and prevent deterioration; Rehabilitate existing limestone site walls around the Tower; and Install protective barricades to safeguard the Tower from adjacent rail and semi activity. FY 2004 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants - Application Page 6 of 10 9. PROJECT BUDGET AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION (20 POINTS) A. PROJECT BUDGET Using this budget format, outline the project budget on a separate sheet. Each cost item must clearly show how the total charge for that item was determined. All maior costs must be listed. and all cost items should be explained in the narrative of the application. The budget must include at least the minimum required match (e.g., if applying for a $300,000 grant, the budget must describe at least $600,000 of costslwork). All non-Federal match must be cash expended or services donated during the grant period, which is generally 2 to 3 years and is specified in the grant agreement. 1. Personnel. Provide the names and titles of key project personnel. Please note that grant funds may not be used to pay Federal employee salaries, nor mav Federal salaries be used as match/cost share. NamefTitle of Position Wage or Salary Federal Grant Match /Cost Total Funds Share (if any) $ $ $ $ Subtotal $ $ $ 2. Fringe BeneFits. If more than one rate is used, list each rate and the wage or salary base. Rate Salary or Wage Federal Grant Match / Cost Total Base Funds Share (if any) %of $ $ $ $ Subtotal $ $ $ 3. Consultant Fees. Include payments for professional and technical consultants participating in the project. Name and Type of Consultant #of Daily Rate of Federal Grant Match/Cost Total Days Compensation Funds Share (if any) Engineer, Archeologist, Hazardous Materials NJA $ N/A - varies $ 40,000 $ 40,000 $ 80,000 Subtotal $ 40,000 $ 40,000 $ 80,000 4. Travel and Per Diem. Indicate the number of persons traveling, the total days they will be in travel status, and the total subsistence and transportation costs. FromfTo #of #of Subsistence Transportation Federal Match/Co Total People Travel Costs Costs (Airfare Grant st Share Days (Lodging and and Mileage) Funds (if any) Per Diem) $ $ $ Subtotal $ $ $ 5. Office Supplies and Materials. Include consumable supplies and materials to be used in the project and any items of expendable equipment, I.e., equipment costing less than $5000 or with an estimated useful life of less than two years. Equipment costing more than that should be listed in Equipment - Category 6. Item Cost Federal Grant Match/Cost Total Funds Share (if any) $ $ $ $ Subtotal $ $ $ FY 2004 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants - Application Page 7 of 10 9. PROJECT BUDGET AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) A. PROJECT BUDGET (CONTINUED) 6. Equipment. Ust all equipment items in excess of $5000. Items worth less than $5000 or that have a useful life of less than two years must be listed in Supplies and Materials - Cateqorv 5. Item Cost Federal Grant Match/Cost Total Funds Share (if any) $ $ $ $ Subtotal $ $ $ 7. Construction/Conservation Materials and Labor. If this a "lump sum" amount supplied by an architect or contractor, explain briefly what work items are included in the lump sum. Item Cost Federal Grant Match/Cost Total Funds Share (if any) Project construction costs $ 500,000 $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ 500,000 Subtotal $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ 500,000 8. Other (specify). Item Cost Federal Grant Match / Cost Total Funds Share (if any) Related project costs $ 20,000 $ 10.000 $ 10,000 $ 20,000 Subtotal $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ 20,000 BUDGET SUMMARY Enter category totals here Category Federal Grant Funds Match/Cost Share Total 1. Personnel $ $ $ 2. Fringe Benefits $ $ $ 3. Consultant Fees $ 40,000 $ 40,000 $ 80,000 4. Travel and Per Diem $ $ $ 5. Supplies and Materials $ $ $ 6. Equipment $ $ $ 7. Construction/Conservation $ 250,000 $ 250,000 $ 500,000 Materials and Labor 8. Other $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ 20,000 TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $ 300,000 $ 300,000 $ 600,000 FY 2004 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants - Application Page 8 of 10 9. PROJECT BUDGET AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED) B. WHAT ARE THE SOURCES OF THE NON-FEDERAL MATCH? List the secured sources and amounts of the required dollar-for-dollar non-Federal match, which can be cash, donated services, or use of equipment. Federal appropriations or other Federal grants, except CDBG grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, may not be used for match. All non-Federal match must be used during the grant period to execute the project. If the match is not secured, explain how it will be raised. The non-Federal matching share of$300,000 is budgeted, secured and available from the City of Dubuque's General Fund in the amount of $200,000 and from $100,000 in state (non-federal) funds through a Historic Sites Preservation grant agreement with the State Historical Society ofIowa for rehabilitation of the Shot Tower. C. NON-FEDERAL APPLICANTS ONLY Organization's non-Federal operating budget for the most recently completed fiscal year: Year FY 2003 Non-Federal budget FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Applicants can address questions to and obtain electronic versions of application materials from these agencies. FOR COLLECTIONS PROJECTS National Endowment for the Arts Telephone 202.682.5516 E-mail mclaughm@arts.gov E-mail jeffersk@arts.gov Web www.arts.gov FOR HISTORIC PROPERTY PROJECTS National Parik Service Telephone 202.513.7270, ex!. 6 E-mail NPS_treasures@nps.gov Web www2.cr.nps.gov/treasures National Endowment for the Humanities Telephone 202.606.8570 E-mail bpaulson@neh.gov Web www.neh.gov FOR GENERAL INFORMATION The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities Telephone 202.682.5409 E-mail kcraine@pcah.gov Web www.pcah.gov Institute of Museum and Library Services Telephone 202.606.4641 E-mail sshwartzman@imls.gov Web www.imls.gov FY 2004 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants - Application Page 9 of 10 APPLICATION SUBMISSION Applications must be submitted in hard copy. Faxed applications and applications submitted electronically will not be accepted. Applications not received by the deadline and incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionai materials sent separately from an application will not be considered part of the application and will not be included in evaluation of the application. Application materials will not be returned. All application materials, including photographs, become the property of the National Park Service and may be reproduced by NPS or its partner organizations without permission; appropriate credit will be given for any such use. You must submit- (1) original and six (6) copies - a total of 7 - complete application packages. One (1) additional photocopy of page one of the application. A complete application package is: Application on 2004 form; applications on previous years' forms will not be considered. Authorizing Official signature; for Federal Agencies, this is the agency head. (Application Section 3) Proof of nonprofit status, if applicable. (Application Section 4) Minimum of four (4), 4"x6" or larger black and white or color photographs. Submission of printed digital photographs will not disqualify an application. However, photographs of lesser quality could affect reviewers' evaluation of an application. (Application Section 5) Documentation of determination of eligibility for listing in the National Register, if applicable. (Application Section 7) Timeline for project completion. (Application Section 8B) Detailed budget. (Application Section 9) Applications must be received by 5:00 pm Eastern Daylight Savings time, Wednesday, May 19, 2004. This is NOT a postmark deadline. SEND APPLICATIONS TO Save America's Treasures Heritage Preservation Services, National Park Service 1201 "Eye" Street, NW 6th Roar (ORG. 2255) Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 513-7270, ex!. 6 PLEASE NOTE - Applications should not be submitted through the US Postal Service. All US Postal Service mail to Federal agencies in Washington, D.C. is irradiated, which can damage or destroy materials and lead to a delay in delivery. You must submit your application via an alternate carrier. FY 2004 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants - Application Page 10 of 10