As Congress considers disaster relief legislation following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, Preservation Action along with several preservation partners are urging Congress to support the rehabilitation of significant historic properties impacted by these deadly storms. Thousands of historic properties were damaged, flooded, or destroyed across the Southeast. Preserving these historic resources is essential to safeguarding our cultural heritage and maintaining the unique character of these communities.

Last week, Preservation Action joined preservation partners in sending a letter urging Congress to aid in the recovery of these historic resources. The letter requests: 

- $100 million in historic preservation disaster relief grants, funded through the Historic Preservation Fund.
- Adjustments to the Federal Historic Tax Credit in the affected area, including increasing the tax credit for eligible properties from 20% to 26% and lowering the substantial rehabilitation test to 50% of a building's adjusted basis, allowing more buildings to qualify.
- The letter also supports a proposed $20 million for historic preservation requested by the Administration in response to the catastrophic fires in Maui.

Preservation Action will continue to monitor expected disaster relief legislation and will keep preservation advocates up to date. Check out the full letter to learn more!