| Item Title: | Economic Development - Historic Site Tourist Promotion and Preservation Services Agreement with the Concordia Heritage Association | | Submitted By: | Andrea Adkins-Hutchins, Director, Economic Development Department (915) 546-2177 | | Subject: | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Historic Site Tourist Promotion and Preservation Services Agreement with the Concordia Heritage Association, a Texas non-profit organization, for the operation and tourist promotion of the historic Concordia Cemetery in the amount of $87,156, for a term beginning October 1, 2019, through September 30, 2020. Funding is available in SR-TOURPROM-CONCORDIA CEMETERY. (Contract No. 2019-0630) | | Background: | Award winning historic Concordia Cemetery is the final resting place for many of our community's historic figures, drawing heritage tourists from across the country. A large portion of this Central El Paso gem is owned by the County. When the cemetery showed signs of neglect during the 1990s, a group of individuals formed the Concordia Heritage Association (CHA) as a citizen inspired effort to care for, protect, and ensure that this unique historic asset remain available to El Pasoans and visitors for years to come. The CHA undertook a large restoration and beautification project in 2000. In 2005, the CHA filed an application to the Texas Historical Commission to have the cemetery dedicated as an official Historic Texas Cemetery. Through the CHA partnership with West Texas Community Supervision, the cemetery benefits from over 50,000 hours of community service work from probationers annually. In recognition of this and other initiatives, El Paso County began providing funding for these efforts. Because Concordia is an eligible historic preservation activity, it is funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax Revenues. The CHA's annual budget provides for security during hours of operation as a means of deterring vandalism. CHA members host formal tours at the cemetery, assist with grave location and research, perform historic re-enactments, as well as host cultural events and fundraisers for the community and visitors to enjoy. The CHA also works with partners for restoration and expansion projects, such as the Buffalo Soldier memorial, honoring those who have passed and showcasing their contributions to our country for those who visit. | | Fiscal Impact: | The Agreement is for $87,156
SR-TOURPROM-CONCORDIA CEMETERY
COSR-6014-0000000-431-70-70000-0001-00000-601301- | | Recommendation: | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Historic Site Tourist Promotion and Preservation Services Agreement with the Concordia Heritage Association, a Texas non-profit organization, for the operation and tourist promotion of the historic Concordia Cemetery in the amount of $87,156, for a term beginning October 1, 2019, through September 30, 2020. Funding is available in SR-TOURPROM-CONCORDIA CEMETERY. (Contract No. 2019-0630) | | Prior Action: | October 15, 2018, Item 15: 2018-0630 Renewed for $87,156 | | Strategic Plan: | .. | | Strategic Plan Information: | |
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