Groups seek $6.9 million in culture grants

Groups dedicated to saving and restoring Nevada's historic cultural sites have applied for $6.9 million in grants from the Nevada Commission on Cultural Affairs.

The commission will face the daunting task of whittling those requests down to the $3 million in bond money it actually has to hand out each year. That is a perennial problem for the commission, which always receives requests for at least twice the amount of money available.

The 27 grant applications filed this year total less than the $9 million sought last year.

The bond program was approved by the Nevada Legislature to provide money for restoration of historic structures for use as cultural centers and community meeting space.

The largest request on the list is $927,038 from Artspace Projects of Reno to restore the Riverside Hotel.

In western Nevada, Carson City and Douglas County organizations each have two applications in. The Brewery Arts Center is asking for $220,000 for work on the brewery building. The Nevada Indian Commission wants $129,000 for work on the Stewart Indian School.

In Douglas, the Genoa Town Board wants $375,000 for work on the old fire house/fire bay building. The Washoe Tribe, also in Douglas, wants $50,000 for a project at Twelve Mile House.

The Churchill Arts Council is seeking $451,454 to continue restoration of the Oats Park School and Art Center. That building also has received several grants in the past.

The Fallon Fraternal Hall and Community Center is seeking $303,462 for restoration work.

In Lyon County, a $60,400 grant application was filed for work on the historic Dayton High School to continue its conversion into a community center.

Storey County wants $163,627 for restoration work on the courthouse in Virginia City and St. Mary's Art Center wants $335,867 for projects at St. Mary Louise Hospital.

Historic Preservation Officer Ron James said the commission will meet sometime in March to review the details of each project and make its decisions.