Walker County is set to significantly boost its efforts in historic preservation after receiving a $25,000 federal grant designated for a comprehensive survey of the county’s historic resources.

The funding, announced recently via the Walker County government website, is a critical first step aimed at helping the county regain its status as a Certified Local Government (CLG), a designation essential for applying for future state and federal preservation grants.

The $25,000 award comes from the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), a federal program dedicated to supporting preservation activities nationwide. The grant will be administered locally through the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

Updating the Historical Record

The core purpose of the grant is to conduct an updated survey of historic buildings, sites, and structures throughout Walker County. This survey will refresh and expand upon previous documentation, ensuring that the county possesses an accurate and comprehensive inventory of its architectural and historical assets.

The findings from the survey will be used to identify properties that may be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and will serve as a foundational resource for local planners and preservation boards.

County officials emphasized that the completion of the survey is more than just documentation—it is a critical prerequisite for unlocking long-term funding opportunities.

Pathway to CLG Status

Upon successful completion of the survey and subsequent review, Walker County anticipates regaining its status as a Certified Local Government (CLG).

The CLG program is a partnership between local governments, the state, and the National Park Service, designed to integrate preservation planning into local decision-making. For communities like Walker County, achieving or restoring CLG status is crucial because it makes them eligible for specialized preservation grants and specific allocations from the Historic Preservation Fund that are often unavailable to non-certified jurisdictions.

Project Timeline

Residents can expect to see the historic resources survey work begin later this year.

The project will involve professional historians and consultants conducting fieldwork across the county to identify and assess properties older than 50 years. This process typically includes photographing sites, conducting deed research, and cataloging architectural styles.

According to the county’s project timeline, the fieldwork is slated to commence in the coming months, with a final report detailing all findings expected to be completed and submitted by early 2026. The findings will then be used to formally apply for the CLG designation restoration.

The county encourages residents who have knowledge of potentially significant historic sites or structures to follow local government announcements regarding public input opportunities related to the survey process.