PRESERVATION ACTION LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
 



LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
VOLUME 22, NUMBER 35
OCTOBER 25, 2019

Application Process Now Open for Historic Preservation Fund Competitive Grant Programs

The 16th Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL was the recipient of African American Civil Rights Grants in 2016.
The National Park Service is currently accepting applications for the African American Civil Rights Movement grant program, the Save America's Treasures program, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) preservation program, and the underrepresented communities grant program. These competitive grant programs are funded through the Historic Preservation Fund.

The African American Civil Rights Movement grant program documents, interprets, and preserves sites and stories related to the African American struggle to gain equal rights. Applications must be submitted by December 3, 2019.  Learn more about the African American Civil Rights Movement grant program and apply today!

Save America's Treasures grants helps preserve nationally significant historic properties and collections for future generations. Applications must be submitted by December 10, 2019. Learn more about the Save America's Treasures program and apply today.

The Underrepresented Communities grant program focuses on the survey, inventory, and nomination of projects that work towards diversifying the nominations submitted to the National Register of Historic Places. Applications are being accepted through December 17, 2019. Learn more about the Underrepresented Communities grant program and apply today.

Lastly, the HBCU preservation program provides grants to help rehabilitate historic structures on campuses of HBCUs, many which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The deadline for applications is February 4, 2020. To apply visit grants.gov and go to funding opportunity P20AS00007. Learn more about the HBCU preservation program.
Senate Announces FY2020 Spending Package Including Interior Appropriations Bill. Vote Expected Next Week

This week, Senate leaders announced they would work to advance an FY2020 spending package of 4 appropriations bill including the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill, which funds several preservation priorities. All 4 bills included in the package were passed out of committee with unanimous support. The Senate began debate on the spending package this week and are expected to vote on the package as early as Monday. 

The Senate FY20 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill includes $113.16 million for the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), an increase of $10.5 million over FY19 enacted levels. This includes important increases for the State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, the Save America's Treasures program, and the Historic Revitalization grant program. While this is below the funding levels included in the House bill, it still represents a significant increase for the HPF. The bill also includes an increase to $21.994 for the Heritage Partnership Program which supports National Heritage Areas, and fully funds the American Battlefield Protection Program at $10 million. The Senate bill also included strong report language objecting to the proposed rule changes to the National Register of Historic Places.

If passed, the Senate will go into conference with the House to resolve the differences between the two bills. The House and Senate will first need to agree to 302(b) allocations which establishes top line spending numbers for each subcommittee. The current Continuing Resolution funds the government through November 21st.
Rep. Ed Perlmutter Speaks at Preservation Action's Annual Member Meeting

NCongressman Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) speaking at Preservation Action's Annual Member Meeting in Denver.
Preservation Action was excited to have Congressman Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) join our Annual Member Meeting held in Denver during the Past Forward Conference. 

Rep. Perlmutter spoke to the gathered group of Preservation Action members about the importance of programs like the Historic Tax Credit and Historic Preservation Fund. He also talked about the current legislative landscape and the challenges Congress faces in advancing legislation.

Preservation Action greatly appreciates Rep. Perlmutter taking the time out his schedule to talk with our members and for his strong support of historic preservation. We'd especially like to thank Rep. Perlmutter for signing on as a cosponsor of the Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act, which is up to 54 cosponsors, and for becoming the newest member of the  Historic Preservation Caucus.

The Historic Preservation Caucus brings together members of congress who understand the value of America's historic places and work to promote preservation and thoughtful economic development in their states, districts, and territories as a matter of national policy. Urge your Representative to join the Historic Preservation Caucus today!
Thanks Everyone for a Successful Preservation Action Foundation Annual Auction!

Thanks to everyone that participated in Preservation Action Foundation's Annual Live and Silent Auction. We had a great Live Auction and Party earlier this month at Denver's Union Station and just wrapped up a successful online Silent Auction last week. A special thank you to all the sponsors, donors, and bidders. Thanks to you, we raised critical funds for the education and outreach efforts of the Preservation Action Foundation. 

We also want to congratulate all our auction winners! We'll begin shipping this year's auction items to our winners starting next week. Thanks again for your support of historic preservation advocacy education. We're already looking forward to next year's Auction in Miami!

Preservation Action
2020 Pennsylvania Ave NW #313
Washington, DC 20006
p. 202-463-0970


Preservation Action is the only national  non-profit dedicated exclusively to lobbying for the best preservation policies at the federal level. We seek to make historic preservation a national priority by advocating to all branches of government through a grassroots constituency empowered with information and training.