Part two of two, From HPC
In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, the Havre/Hill County Historic Preservation Committee's final feature in this year's series follows. This week’s Historic Preservation Month article is a continuation of last week’s preview of projects of the Historic Preservation Commission. The projects being highlighted this week fall into two categories; organizational projects and grant projects. While not the material Indiana Jones movies are made of, both categories of projects are vital to the continued mission of the HPC. Updating the HPC organizational structure Similar to a business updating its business plan, the HPC has been reviewing and updating its bylaws and mission statement and writing a strategic plan. Craig Erickson of Bear Paw Development Corp. has been facilitating the HPC through the process of creating and implementing a strategic plan which will guide the efforts of the Commission for the foreseeable future. Through the process of creating the strategic plan several projects, necessary partnerShips and key success factors have been identified which will help the HPC ensure the mission of the organization is carried out. As the city begins its work writing its growth policy, the HPC is now prepared to be an active partner in the discussions concerning our community so that people do not lose site of the rich past or lose focus on the collective future. Fort Assinniboine Cavalry Stable project Fort Assinniboine is a significant historic asset to the community, and the HPC has been partnering with the Fort Assinniboine Preservation Association to gather funds for work on the Cavalry Stable, which is currently under the care of the MSU Agriculture Department. The Cavalry Stable has played an important roll in the history of the fort, having served originally as a stable for enlisted men’s horses and was later renovated to serve as a recreation hall for enlisted men and the greater community. The structure is in relatively good condition, but is in need of basic repairs to mitigate further deterioration. The HPC authored a request for funds from the Rural Property Brick and Mortar Grant program for repairs to the barn. The grant was funded, and work on the barn roof will begin in the next few weeks. Additionally, a request was made by the HPC with the assistance of Bear Paw Development to the Community Transportation Enhancement Project for additional funds for more extensive repairs to the barn. The request has been accepted on the local level by the Havre City Council and is currently awaiting action from the CTEP program directors. Funds will be used to secure the structure from vandalism and deterioration from the elements as well as to repair masonry that is damaged on the east faade of the building. Volunteers are needed for the current roof project. Individuals interested in aiding in the work can contact Wade Bitz of the HPC at 352-4785. Preserve America nominations The Historic Preservation Commission authored two grant applications for nomination of both the City of Havre and Hill County as Preserve America Communities. Both applications have been accepted into the program, which opens both communities to the extensive supply of federal funds allocated by the Preserve America program. Statewide there are only 13 cities and two counties that are currently enrolled in the PA program. Information on the Preserve America program can be found at www.preserveamerica.gov. Community input welcome Community members interested in participating in any of the projects described throughout this two-part series detailing the work of the HPC are encouraged to contact any of the Commission members.
