Historic County Courthouse Rehabilitation Grant Program

The Historic County Courthouse Rehabilitation Grant Program was established by the Washington State Legislature in 2005 to address the growing need for preservation and capital improvements in historically and architecturally significant county courthouses across the state. A statewide survey conducted in 2003 identified that the majority of Washington counties owned courthouses with historic value, and the total estimated need for rehabilitation exceeded tens of millions of dollars. Since its inception, the program has distributed substantial state capital funding to support preservation efforts, leveraging additional local investment to expand the scale and impact of courthouse rehabilitation projects. The program is administered with involvement from the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and advisory bodies that evaluate project proposals. The primary purpose of the program is to assist county governments in preserving and rehabilitating active historic courthouses that continue to serve county functions. Funding supports projects that maintain or restore architectural integrity while improving safety, accessibility, and usability. Eligible project activities include the preservation and rehabilitation of both exterior and interior character-defining features, as well as improvements related to life safety and accessibility when conducted in conjunction with historic rehabilitation work. All funded activities must comply with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, ensuring that modernization efforts do not compromise historical authenticity. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis and requires counties to provide matching funds from eligible public or private sources. While certain project-related expenses such as architectural and engineering fees, system upgrades, and planning activities may not be reimbursable with grant funds, they may count toward the required match under specified conditions. However, general maintenance, lobbying, and debt reduction are not eligible for funding or match contributions. The program allows flexibility in match composition, including in-kind contributions such as donated labor or materials, although these are capped at a percentage of the total match requirement. Eligibility for the program is limited to county governments within Washington State that own courthouses with recognized historic significance. Eligible buildings must either be listed on or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington Heritage Register. Additionally, the courthouse must still be in active use for county functions. Counties may apply regardless of prior participation in the program, and there are no caps on the amount of funding a county may request per funding cycle or across multiple cycles. Applications are submitted through an online form, and applicants are encouraged to prepare all required responses and supporting documentation in advance before completing the submission. While the application process does not include a mandatory pre-application stage, it requires comprehensive project details, including design plans that must be reviewed for compliance with preservation standards before construction begins. Evaluation criteria include the historic significance of the courthouse, urgency of the proposed work, project feasibility, visibility of preservation impact, availability of matching funds, and the extent of structural or safety improvements addressed. For the 2027-2029 biennium funding cycle, the application deadline is July 10, 2026. All funded project expenditures and matching contributions must occur within the designated biennium period, from July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2029. Grant recipients are required to submit regular progress reports, maintain financial records, and comply with audit requirements. Additional obligations include public acknowledgment of funding support and adherence to preservation standards for a period of five years following project completion. Program funding is contingent upon legislative appropriations, and in cases where projects extend beyond the biennium, a formal reappropriation request may be required.

Ensure project aligns with historic preservation standards; demonstrate urgency and feasibility; secure matching funds prior to application; emphasize visible impact on historic features