Preserve Georgia' license plates available from county tag office

A new specialty tag for historic preservation is now available.

The Historic Preservation Division (HPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the availability of a new specialty tag for historic preservation. Proceeds from the plate will be used to help preserve significant historic buildings and sites owned by local governments and non-profit groups.

A license plate order form is available on-line at www.gashpo.org or by calling 404-656-2840.

The new plate was designed by Georgia artist Larnie Higgins of Planet Studio in Atlanta (who was chosen from among 23 entrants) and depicts a historic train station located in Savannah. According to HPD Division Director Dr. Ray Luce, "The train station represents the significant role railroads played in the development of the state of Georgia," he said. "However, the design also works as a symbol for a variety of other types of historic resources around the state, including schools, theaters, city halls and other public buildings," he added.

The license plate was authorized by the 2005 Georgia General Assembly and signed into law at that time by Governor Purdue. More than $20 from each $25 license tag fee will go to HPD's Georgia Heritage Grant Program, which provides funding for historic preservation projects around the state. The funding is dearly needed. In 1997, a special legislative study committee identified a five million dollar per year goal for the Georgia Heritage program. The grant program has not yet reached that goal; indeed it reached its highest point in SFY 2002 at $500,000 and funding amounts have been cut gradually since September 11, 2001.

Last year, local governments and non-profits applied for more than $1 million in grants, although there was only $129,000 available. Dr. Luce explained, however, that even with low funding, the grant program has made a significant impact on historic preservation projects in Georgia. "In its first 11 years (SFY 1995- 2006), just over three million dollars in matching grants were awarded to just over 300 preservation projects in the state, " he said. "These projects included a wide range of resources, such as lighthouses, cemeteries, theaters and auditoriums, post offices, jails and depots, 25 courthouses, and over 20 schools," he added.

The license plate can be reserved at county tag offices for a $25 specialty tag fee. After 1,000 orders have been received, the plate will then be produced by the Georgia Motor Vehicle Division. To find out more about the license plate and/or to use a mail-in order form to reserve a plate, please visit the HPD's website at www.gashpo.org or contact HPD's grant coordinator Carole Moore at 404-463-8434; e-mail at carole_moore@dnr.state.ga.us.

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