National Trust Preservation Grant Awarded to NSRGA

National Trust for Historic Preservation Awards The N. Skunk River Greenbelt Association (NSRGA) a Preservation Grant from National Trust Preservation Funds Site Survey for the 1883 McIntyre Bowstring Bridge Restoration at Millgrove Access Wildlife Area

Grinnell, Iowa (­March 15, 2011)—Today, the N. Skunk River Greenbelt Association (NSRGA) was awarded a $1,950 grant by the National Trust for Historic Preservation from the Dr. Frank Henry Landes Fund for Iowa. The seed grant funds will be used to hire the Spicer Group from Saginaw, Michigan to produce a survey work plan for the McIntyre Bridge at Millgrove Access, including a site survey and ACAD drawings.

The McIntyre Bowstring is currently in the engineering phase of the project. Spicer Group was chosen because of their experience working with historic truss bridges in Michigan. Spicer will provide a general rehabilitation plan as well as the site survey required for all projects to move forward with the goal of having the bridge reset by the Fall of 2011.

"Without organizations like NSRGA, communities and towns all across America would have a diminished sense of place," said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "The National Trust for Historic Preservation is honored to provide a grant to NSRGA, which will use the funds to help preserve an important piece of our shared heritage."

The National Trust for Historic Preservation dispenses small grants for local projects through the National Trust Preservation Funds grant program. The grants range from $500 to $5,000 and have provided over $5.5 million dollars of funding since 2002. They are awarded to nonprofit groups, educational institutions and public agencies, and must be matched, at least dollar for dollar, with public or private funds. Preservation Funds grants are being used nationally for such wide-ranging activities as consultant services for rehabilitating buildings, technical assistance for tourism that promotes historic resources and educating children about their heritage. These grants are often the deciding factor on whether historic buildings or sites can be saved for future generations.

For more information on National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preservation Fund grants, visit: www.PreservationNation.org/resources/find-funding/grants/.

About the N. Skunk River Greenbelt Association

NSRGA was formed in 2010 dedicated to the preservation of the 1883 King Iron Bridge bowstring truss and the greenbelt area that surrounds it. NSRGA works with the Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors and the Poweshiek County Conservation Board making sure that the end result, the reset of the bowstring, will coincide with an area that meets the needs of the population of central Iowa. Donations are tax deductible and can be made online at www.skunkriverbridge.org or mailed to NSRGA PO Box 332, Grinnell, IA 50112.

About the National Trust for Historic Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, nine regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.

###