(a) The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program recognizes a lack of financial assistance as one of the largest obstacles to the preservation of historic resources in Arkansas.
(b) The purpose of the County Courthouse Restoration Grant program is to encourage and promote the preservation and continued use of Arkansas's historic courthouses by providing financial assistance for restoration, selected maintenance, and accessibility projects.
(c) The County Courthouse Restoration Grant is an annual grant that has been in existence since 1988.
(d) It is funded primarily by an annual grant to the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program by the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council using real estate transfer tax funds.
(e) Fifty-four (54) of the sixty-four (64) Arkansas counties with eligible courthouses have received grants from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program.