Upon endorsement and plan approval by a local historical district commission established under AS 29.55.010 or former AS 29.48.108 and the recommendation of a majority of the members of the Alaska Historical Commission, the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development may make loans to a person, firm, business, or municipality subject to applicable laws for the restoration, improvement, rehabilitation, or maintenance of a structure that is
(1) within the boundaries of a historical district established under AS 29.55.020 or former AS 29.48.110 and identified as important in state or national history as provided for in AS 29.55.020(b) or former AS 29.48.110(b); or(2) a building or structure within a historical district, that is suitable for superficial modification so that it can conform to the period or motif of the surrounding buildings or structures that are the reason for the area's designation as a historical district.