WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Mike Turner (OH-10) and Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), co-chairs of the Historic Preservation Caucus, along with Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), and Congressman Mike Carey (OH-15) introduced legislation to reauthorize the Historic Preservation Fund. This bipartisan legislation will extend the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), which rehabilitates significant historic sites, for 10 years. It is currently set to expire on September 30, 2023.
"The Historic Preservation Fund has been instrumental in the Dayton region for recognizing the places that shape our communities and the people who inspire us. It was key to establishing the Wright-Dunbar Village Historic District in West Dayton which was once home to the Wright Brothers and African American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. In fact, the Dayton region is home to 238 national register listings with a total local economic impact of over $377 million. I’ll continue to support the Historic Preservation Fund which plays a vital role in preserving and promoting historical treasures here in the Miami Valley and across the country," said Congressman Mike Turner.
“At the heart of every livable community is a sense of place and uniqueness. The Historic Preservation Fund protects our most treasured sites,” said Congressman Earl Blumenauer. “It’s time to provide greater support for important historic projects across the country, ensuring we can continue to preserve and honor our heritage for generations to come.”
“As a little girl, my parents instilled in me the importance of understanding the pain we have endured and all that we can celebrate. It is our story, our language, our herencia. It makes us who we are,” said Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández. “We must continue and expand the Historic Preservation Fund’s work so we can better tell these American stories, support rural economies, and facilitate responsible development. That’s why I am proud to support this bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Historic Preservation Fund and increase its annual deposits.”
“Reauthorization of the Historic Preservation Fund is critical for maintaining the history and character of our communities,” said Congressman Mike Carey. “Historic preservation projects, like the South High School renovation in Columbus, are also helping to alleviate housing shortages and bolster economic development. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to preserve our history while building a better future.”
Background:
In 1976, the Historic Preservation Fund first awarded funding to projects across the country. The HPF, which derives its funding from royalties from offshore drilling in U.S. waters, serves as the umbrella fund for several federal preservation efforts including the Save America’s Treasures program, which has supported several projects in the Miami Valley over the past 25 years. Save America’s Treasures currently operates as the second-largest grant program within the HPF. Congressman Turner’s legislation would reauthorize HPF and allow the subsequent grant programs to continue.
Timeline:
1998 Save America’s Treasures (SAT) was established by President Bill Clinton through Executive Order.
About SAT: Save America's Treasures is a U.S. federal government initiative to preserve and protect historic buildings, arts, and published works. It is a public–private partnership between the U.S. National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services are also partners in the work.
1999 $13 million was awarded to 22 projects, including:
- The 1905 Wright Flyer III, Dayton, OH;
- Paul Laurence Dunbar House and Barn, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Dayton, OH.
2007 First Lady Laura Bush and Rep. Turner announced the bill to codify SAT dubbed “The Preserve America and Save America’s Treasures Act.”
https://doi.gov/
2008 Rep. Turner penned an op-ed about “The Preserve America and Save America’s Treasures Act” https://turner.house.gov/2008/
On July 8, “The Preserve America and Save America’s Treasures Act” passed the House 360 – 23.
2009 Legislation codifying Preserve America and Save America’s Treasures was signed by President Obama as part of an omnibus funding package in March.
2016 The National Park Service Centennial Act, which included Rep. Turner’s bill to reauthorize the Historic Preservation Fund through 2023, was signed into law by President Obama.
2018 Wright Company Factory added to Dayton’s National Park for Aviation Heritage, expanding the scope of the park along W. Third St, now allowing the opportunity for federal funding under the HPF.
https://www.wdtn.
2019 Two Wright airplane factory buildings, also on W. Third St., were placed on the national historic registry, allowing them to access HPF dollars.
2022 For Fiscal Year 2023, Rep. Turner led the Historic Preservation Caucus in securing $175 million for the HPF, including $26.5 million for the Save America’s Treasures Program.
Rep. Turner secured $800k for the Dayton Art Institute. Funding comes from Save America’s Treasures Program.
2023 Rep. Turner introduced legislation to reauthorize the Historic Preservation Fund for an additional 10 years.