Markell, Carper, Coons and Carney Announce $1 Million for Delaware Historic Properties Damaged by Superstorm Sandy

DOVER, Del. – Today, Governor Jack Markell, U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney, along with the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs announced that the National Park Service has awarded $1 million in federal funds help Delaware historic properties that were damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

“I thank the Congressional Delegation for their continued and tireless advocacy to ensure we have the resources necessary to address Hurricane Sandy’s devastation, from our beaches and dikes to our invaluable historic properties,” said Governor Markell. “The types of sites served by this grant not only preserve our storied past, but are a vital part of our culture today, while offering lessons and inspiration for generations to come.”

“This federal funding will help restore Delaware’s important historic landmarks, which takes a group effort of local, state, federal leaders and concerned citizens to keep alive,” said Sen. Carper. “I’m proud of the hard work Delaware’s Congressional Delegation put in to secure this funding to restore the damage to Delaware created by Superstorm Sandy so that these landmarks can be preserved for years to come.”

“Delaware’s identity is entwined with Delaware’s history,” said Sen. Coons. “Superstorm Sandy caused significant damage in Delaware, and thanks to the response from my Congressional colleagues, this award will help us rebuild and repair those historic sites so that Delawareans and non-Delawareans alike can continue to be inspired by our rich history.”  

“Historical landmarks in our state are not only meaningful to Delawareans, but shed light on important chapters in the story of our nation,” said Congressman Carney.  “Thanks to this funding, sites that were damaged during Superstorm Sandy will be restored and preserved so that visitors today and for many years to come can learn from Delaware’s history and appreciate the many contributions we have made to our nation.”  

Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Grants for Historic Properties are funded under the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013, a $50.7 billion package of disaster assistance largely focused on responding to the effects of the destructive hurricane which struck the East Coast of the United States in late October 2012. The storm prompted major disaster declarations in the District of Columbia and 12 states, including Delaware. As part of the act, Congress appropriated $50 million to cover the costs of preserving and/or rehabilitating historic properties damaged by Hurricane Sandy. In the state of Delaware, the grant program is being administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ State Historic Preservation Office.

To be eligible for funding, a storm-damaged property must be: listed, or eligible for listing, on the National Register of Historic Places; owned by private individuals or organizations (excepting religious entities), local governments or the state; and have documented damage that resulted from the effects of the storm.  Repair work funded by the grants must also be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and in compliance with a number of other state and federal regulations.

After securing details on the award from the National Park Service, the State Historic Preservation Office will publish program and application guidelines for the grants in early 2014. Grant Information will be posted on the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs website at http://history.delaware.gov. For additional information, call the division office at (302) 736-7400.