The City of Kennesaw has received a $50,000 grant from Preserve America to fund its Downtown Directional Wayfinding Signage Program for Downtown Kennesaw. Announcement of the grant was made today via conference call by Deputy Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett and Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Chairman John Nau.

Kennesaw was one of 43 communities from 25 states chosen to receive Preserve America Grants totaling $2.9 million. The grant requires a match from the recipient. Kennesaw’s matching portion will be $57,000.

The directional/wayfinding signage program funded by the Preserve America Grant is a partnership between the City and the Kennesaw Downtown Development Authority (KDDA) to develop and design a consistent, comprehensive and uniform system of directional/
wayfinding signage with enhanced pedestrian, vehicular, parking and gateway features.

“We are extremely excited that the City of Kennesaw has been chosen for this grant,” said Kennesaw Mayor Mark Mathews. “This funding will help us complete the signage program for the Downtown area, so that we can better assist visitors and residents to find attractions, businesses and other facilities in the City.”

The City and KDDA have contracted with Kerestes-Martin Associates Inc., of Canonsburg, PA, to conduct the signage program, which started with a kickoff meeting in early March. The signage consulting firm will do an extensive study of the City’s needs and will make recommendations in August.

The Preserve America Grant program began in 2006 as part of Preserve America, a White House initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our nation’s heritage. The grant program is administered by the Department of the Interior’s National Park Service in partnership with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.