It’s pretty ironic that the device most responsible for the destruction of our built environment—the automobile—could now help raise funds to save it. Preservation Kentucky is hoping to collect 900 applicants by the end of 2013 to establish a new Kentucky license plate that establishes a grant fund supporting preservation projects.
The group hopes these additional funds “could fill this void and create preservation jobs in an extremely limited fiscal climate.” Plates can be reserved online for $27 (or $25 by check) and Preservation Kentucky will receive $10 for every plate sold. More info on how the proceeds will be used:
PK will use donation proceeds to establish a grant fund for historic preservation projects in the state of Kentucky. Grants will be offered to certified nonprofits and city/county governments in the Commonwealth for the purpose of preserving historic buildings… The grants will leverage public and private funds, as a 50 percent local match will be required. Grants will be reviewed by a panel of preservation experts from the PK Board, PK membership, and the Kentucky Heritage Council twice a year.
Thanks for publicizing this. We definitely see the irony of asking someone to purchase a license plate to help preserve buildings. As well you know, personal automobiles (as opposed to public transit) have led to the wholesale destruction of so many historic places and an undesirable urban environment. We see this as one, albeit somewhat unsatisfactory, method of raising money.
I have proudly reserved my PRESERVATION license plate. I encourage EVERYONE reading this to do the same. The design is spot on and the cause is a fabulous one. Go ahead. Reserve one today! You know you want to.
When will this plate be available in Kentucky?