Last week, House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) led letters to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and the Government Accountability Office (GAO), responding to concerns expressed by panelists during the "Strengthening Historic and Cultural Preservation" roundtable held by Committee Democrats in November. The letter sent to Secretary Haaland requested her support for much needed funding increases for Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs). The letter requests $34 million for THPOs, citing how modest funding increases have not kept pace with the growing number of THPOs and the increased number of consultations that are required under the National Historic Preservation Act.

The letter sent to the GAO lays out challenges facing THPOs and State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) and the federal historic preservation program broadly. The letter requests a review of the National Register of Historic Places, particularly looking at issues of equity and inclusion and weather any changes to the identification or designation process are needed for National Register sites to tell a more representative and complete American story. The letter also requests more information on challenges facing SHPOs and THPOs like funding levels, difficulty recruiting and retaining staff, and aging technology. Further, the letter requests the GAO examine how these challenges impact the ability of SHPOs and THPOs to carry out their federally mandated duties. Lastly, the letter requests a review of the implementation of the Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act process.

Preservation Action provided comments on this important discussion and appreciates the leadership of Ranking Member Grijalva and all the letter's signers for listening to the concerns of the preservation community and taking action to further address these concerns.

The National Park Service recently announced $1.25 million in Underrepresented Community Grants for 21 projects in 19 states and the District of Columbia. These funds will support the identification, planning, and development of nominations or amendments to sites and districts associated with communities that are underrepresented on the National Register of Historic Places. This includes a historic context survey of migrant farm workers in Dade County Florida, survey and documentation of Green Book sites in Indiana, and an LGBTQIA2S+ historic context survey in the Puget Sound area of Washington.

Funded through the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), the Underrepresented Communities Grants program aims to diversify the National Register of Historic Places by supporting the survey, inventory, or nomination of new sites or amending of previous listings to the National Register or as a National Historic Landmark, that help tell the stories of communities that are currently underrepresented. So far the program has awarded $7 million in grants to help diversify the National Register.

Legislation was recently introduced to establish a state historic tax credit in Arizona. H.B. 2879 would provide a 20% tax credit toward qualified rehabilitation expenses with a 5% bonus available for affordable housing projects. The program would be capped at $30 million annually. The bill also includes a requirement that 60% of the first round of funding each year be issued to cities with less than 100,000 people.

If passed the bill would go into effect after Dec. 31, 2024 and would sunset at the end of 2034. Arizona is currently one of 11 states without a state historic tax credit program.

Time is running out to register for National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week! Plan to join us March 4-7, 2024 in Washington, DC. Hosted by Preservation Action and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, Preservation Advocacy Week is the perfect opportunity to unite with like-minded individuals and advocate for the critical programs and policies that help preserve of our nation's historic resources. We need your voice!

The deadline to register has been extended to Friday, Feb. 23th. Register today!

Advocacy Week 2024 will be held in a new, historic location and feature in-depth preservation policy trainings and briefings, guest speakers, exclusive tours, partner meetings, networking opportunities, and of-course the chance to meet with your members of Congress and their staff directly. Check our the preliminary schedule to learn more. Additional session information is being added as details are confirmed. Stay tuned for more.

The Hill: "OpEd: We Have to Protect Our Historic Sites From the Ravages of Climate Change"

Department of Interior: "Assistant Secretary Estenoz Highlights Interior Department's Commitment to Honoring Black History, Investing in Equitable Outdoor Access During Tennessee Visit"

Nevada: "Pieces of Nevada's History are Endangered. Historians are Raising Awareness to Help Save Them"

Florida: "Bills Threaten Historic Miami Beach Hotels, Preservationists Say"

West Virginia: "New Grant Program Aims to Save and Preserve Historic Buildings in West Virginia"

Georgia: "Georgia Legislation Would Extend HTC, Increase Cap"