From Preservation Action:
This week Rep. Mike Turner (D-OH), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Rep. Mike Carey(R-OH), and Rep. Teresa Leger-Fernandez(D-NM) introduced the bipartisan Historic Preservation Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3350) in the House. This much-needed bill would reauthorize the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) for 10 years and increases the annual authorization from $150 million to $250 million.
With the HPF's current authorization set to expire on Sept. 30th, passage of this bill is critical. Without reauthorization, payments to the HPF would cease, undermining the importance of this funding. Additionally, the increased annual authorization for the HPF included in this is bill is long overdue. The HPF's authorization has not been increased since the program was established in 1976 and has since become the source of funding for multiple important grant programs. Notably, the last two appropriations bills approved by Congress have exceeded the HPF's authorization, underscoring the need for an increased authorization.
Preservation Action has been advocating for the need to reauthorize the HPF for the last two years. While we would like to see the HPF permanently and fully funded, this bill is a significant bipartisan compromise. We greatly appreciate the leadership of the Historic Preservation Caucus co-chairs, Reps. Turner and and Blumenauer and Reps. Carey and Leger-Fernandez for their continued support. We continue to work with champions in the Senate and are hopeful to have similar legislation introduced there soon.
Take Action!
Help us build support for this important bill by urging your Representative to cosponsor the Historic Preservation Reauthorization Act today! If you have a personal contact in your Representative's office contact that person directly. We've also made it easy for you to take action. Check out our action alert to learn more and easily edit and send a letter to your Representative. Also be sure to and share this alert with your networks!