How you can help:

The next steps in our business plan are: 1) Remove the old boiler and asbestos and install a heating and cooling system to enable year-around use and to keep the building from deteriorating. 2) Install a wheelchair lift to make the entire building handicap accessible. 3) Install wall ties to secure the outer walls. 4) Rebuild the roof so that it doesn’t exert outward pressure on the walls. 5) We will continue an ongoing program to restore the interior of the building to as close to its original historic state as practically possible.

There are two, basic methods of funding these goals: 1) Obtaining large grants or donations for funding major parts of the project. 2) A program in which individuals or groups adopt and accomplish smaller chunks of the overall project.

Large Grants:

We have decided to apply for a $150,000 Idaho Community Development Block Grant. The Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor awards these grants to entities that, at the end of the use of the grant money, will have a functional community center.

The main challenge to getting this grant is finding matching funds. To have a good chance of getting the grant, we will need to match 100% of the amount we are awarded. Matching funds in the form of cash have the most impact because cash is valued higher toward the match total.

Matching contributions do not have to be cash; they can be:

· Other grant or foundation funds

· Labor

· Donated materials or equipment

· Loans

· Land sales

· Waived local fees

· Property value of the old courthouse

Smaller projects:

Here is where many people may be able to help. An example of this method is already underway. A local couple has adopted the rear entrance to the building (the one everybody uses, not the formal one facing west)—including the stairway leading to the first floor lobby. They are funding the restoration of this portion of the building—restoring the historical details and refurbishing the paint and floor coverings. Assistance with design and building code details will be provided by ZGA Architects of Boise, the State Historical Preservation Office, and our commission.

Individuals, couples, civic groups, etc could adopt other portions of the building. Skilled individuals or local contractors may perform the work, as long as it meets historic preservation standards.

The advantages of this method are that, 1) Money and time invested in this way can be counted as matching contributions toward larger grants, as mentioned above. 2) Portions of the building would be restored more quickly. 3) It will add to a sense of accomplishment, and encourage even more support and enthusiasm from the community. 4) Contributions may be tax deductible.

Any assistance or advice that you could contribute to this effort would be greatly appreciated.

We are also looking for letters of support from individuals and groups (if you have not already written one). A simple statement of why you support the preservation of the old Adams County Courthouse is all that this entails.

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Adams County Historic Preservation Commission

P.O. Box 225

Council, ID 83612

Email: dafisk@ctcweb.net

Phone: 1-208-253-6098 (Elaine Johnston, Secretary/Treasurer)

Web site: adamscountyhistory.org