(a)

1. (1) An applicant for any County Courthouse Restoration Grant must first determine the scope of the project to be funded.
2. (2) Historic preservation is an expensive endeavor, and most projects require careful prioritization.

(b) Tips on developing a good project include:

1. (1)

   1. (A) Ask an expert.
   2. (B) An architect can be invaluable in helping you to determine your needs and planning your project.
   3. (C) In addition to giving an estimate of the project cost, an architect can also provide information on structural priorities and efficient scheduling.
   4. (D) Also, feel free to contact the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program if you have questions regarding project funding priorities or guidelines for rehabilitation;

2. (2)

   1. (A) Phase it out.
   2. (B) Funds for Courthouse Restoration Grants are often limited, and few applicants receive the total amount requested in their application.
   3. (C) By dividing the project into prioritized phases, you provide a way for funding to be used effectively even if you do not get everything you requested.
   4. (D) You can apply for more funding in the next grant cycle; and

3. (3)

   1. (A) Know your limitations.
   2. (B) Or maybe we should say, "Don't bite off more than you can chew."
   3. (C) Administering a grant project requires staff time and attention to detail.
   4. (D) Do not commit yourself or your county to a project if you are unable to invest the necessary resources to complete it.
   5. (E) By the same token, do not commit the county to a cash match or other investment of scarce resources unless you can be sure it will be in place when you sign the grant contract.