State grants offered to protect historic projects and locations

(Harrisburg) -- State grants offered to nonprofits and local governments could help protect historic places across the commonwealth.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is accepting applications for Keystone Historic Preservation Grants.

Spokesman Howard Pollman says many projects can be funded through the grants worth up to $25,000.

"We're talking about planning initiatives, focusing on historic resources, construction grants for rehabilitation, preservation and restoration of resources that are publicly accessible," Pollman says. "We want to restore stuff that people can actually go and see."

Pollman says potential projects must be listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places to qualify.

The money comes from real estate transfer taxes and requires organizations to match half of the money.

The application deadline is March 1.