Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) recently introduced the Cultural Resources Challenges Act (H.R. 7936). This bill would provide an additional $250 million in funding for historic and cultural resources at the National Park Service, address staff shortages, and direct NPS to develop curriculum to provide training for cultural resource protection and management. This bill would also establish a competitive grant program focused on resiliency and accessibility of cultural resources, supporting projects that address climate change, involvement of underrepresented communities in historic preservation, and encourage future generations to engage in historic preservation.

As noted by the recent "A Cultural Resource Challenge for the National Park Service" report from the National Parks Conservation Association, the National Park Service, due to years of chronic underfunding, is facing a severe shortage of staff and funding dedicated to cultural resources. The report also details the threat historic and cultural resources located in National Parks are facing from climate change. H.R. 7936 would help address several of the concerns laid out in the report.

The bill was referred to the House Natural Resources Committee. Check out the press release from Congressman Tonko and the press release from the NPCA to learn more about this bill.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks recently held a hearing to examine President Biden's budget request for the National Park Service and to hear testimony on several pending National Park bills. Michael Caldwell, the Associate Director of Park Planning, Facilities, and Lands, testified on behalf of the National Park Service. The bills considered at the hearing included legislation to expand park boundaries and establish new National Parks, new National Monuments, and new National Heritage Areas.

During the hearing Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) provided testimony in support of S. 3543 which would establish the Historic Greenwood District-Black Wall Street National Monument in Oklahoma. Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) testified in support of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act (S. 4216), which would establish the the Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia's first National Park.

Among the bills being considered included the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act (H.R. 3448, S. 3568), which would make several updates to the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP). This includes allowing non-profits and tribes to apply for ABPP grants, ensuring grants are available for all battlefields, and creating a process to expand and update historic battlefield boundaries. Similar legislation passed the House in November of last year.

As the national grassroots advocacy and lobbying organization for historic preservation, it's important to us that we hear from YOU, the grassroots preservation community. 

No matter your membership status, we would love for you to take a couple of minutes (really, it takes maybe 2!) to tell us what's important to you in your work as well as share your input on Preservation Action. 

You don't need to share your name or any identifying information.  The deadline for responses is June 7th.

The Hill : "Save America's Sacred Spaces for Civic Purposes"

Colorado: "Colorado Bill Extends State HTC to 2036, Creates Affordable Housing Set-Aside"

Oklahoma: "Saving Historic Places in Oklahoma, Elsewhere is a Labor of Love and Respect for Our Ancestors"

Massachusetts: "Mayor Sarno, Congressman Neal and Officials Celebrate the Grand Opening of 31 Elm Street Project with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony"

Nebraska: "Century Old Cass County Schoolhouse Gets New Life in $16M Project Boosted by Historic Tax Credits"