Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10), Co-Chair of the Historic Preservation Caucus, co-sponsored an amendment along with bipartisan members of the caucus, including Congressmen Denny Heck (WA-10), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Adam Smith (WA-09), Joe Courtney (CT-02), and Bill Keating (MA-09), to restore $5.5 million in funding to the Historic Preservation Fund. That amendment was included in the final version of the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act which passed the House today.
“The Historic Preservation Fund is critical to protecting our nation’s cultural identity,” said Congressman Turner. “The appropriations package passed by the House today will provide funds directed to preserving history at national, state, local, and tribunal levels. I am pleased to continue to work with the Caucus to maintain our country’s historic sites.”
“For more than 40 years, the Historic Preservation Fund has helped our states and native tribes leverage funds to revitalize communities and create opportunities for economic growth,” said Congressman Heck. “My amendment restores this critical funding to last year’s levels, preserving a small but effective federal program that deserves Congress' continued support.”
“Giving communities the tools to preserve their heritage brings people together,” said Congressman Blumenauer. “Funding historic preservation connects communities to who they are and supports efforts to preserve important places for generations to come.”
“The Historic Preservation Fund supports grants that help conserve and interpret American history so that future generations are able to learn from our past,” said Congressman Smith. “The Pacific Northwest is home to countless historical sites that help engage our local communities in our collective heritage. These locations preserve the lessons of our country’s fight for civil rights, reflect on the injustice of Japanese American incarceration, and educate the public about our vibrant culture and the incredible diversity of those who call our region home. I am pleased to support funding of the Historic Preservation Fund, and will continue to advocate for programs that increase access to the knowledge that the unique American experience provides.”
“It is a mistake to cut funding from an account which helps to create such growth and renewal in communities across the country,” said Congressman Courtney. “I am glad that this bipartisan amendment passed the House, which would restore $5.5 million to the Historic Preservation Fund. Because of the Historic Preservation Fund, states are able to provide grants to revitalize and commemorate vitally important historic buildings and areas. In Connecticut, buildings such as the Florence Griswold Museum Barn in Old Lyme have been renovated because of State Historic Preservation Offices – offices that rely on the important funding from the Historic Preservation Fund.”
“The Historic Preservation Fund is critical to ensuring the endurance of local treasures in areas such as New Bedford in my district,” said Congressman Keating. “Preserving significant buildings and community areas is as vital to understanding our history as history books themselves.”
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