Cathleen Allison/Associated Press Assemblyman Marcus Conklin, D-Las Vegas, testifies Tuesday at the Legislature. Lawmakers are considering a proposal that would require limited liability corporations disclose the names, addresses and phone numbers of their owners when making political contributions.
The Nevada Commission on Cultural Affairs has received a record 42 applications for historic and cultural projects around the state.
Ron James, head of the state's Historic Preservation Office, said the grants seek nearly four times the total amount of bond money the commission has to hand out this year. The bonds approved to fund the projects provide $3 million a year, while the applications seek a total of $11.3 million.
James said the commission will meet March 1-2 to hear presentations from the various groups and decide how much money to award to which projects.
The largest single grant application - $1.5 million - is from the city of Las Vegas for redevelopment of the historic downtown post office.
That is followed by Piper's Opera House in Virginia City - a perennial recipient of the commission's funding - which this year is requesting $1.3 million to continue its restoration project.
When that request is added to those of the Gold Hill Historical Society, Fourth Ward School, Virginia City Convention and Tourism Authority and St. Mary's Art Center, Storey County projects are requesting a total of $2.44 million.
Three Carson City organizations are asking for money. By far, the largest application is to upgrade the performance hall at the Brewery Art Center for $270,372. Carson Parks and Recreation wants $63,824 for an historic structure report on the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada, and the historical society is asking $25,250 to restore and repair the Roberts House Museum.
Douglas County's historical society is seeking $18,000 for air conditioning at its Genoa operation. Churchill County's Arts Council has requested $470,972 for work on the Oats Park School and Art Center.
James said the commission has given about $36 million to historic and cultural projects over the years. The first grants were awarded in 1993. In 1995, the commission received a 10-year bond authorization, allowing it to hand out $2 million a year. That bond was increased and renewed for another 10 years in 2005, providing the commission with $3 million a year to award.
• Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.