Historic Preservation Fund
Overview
The Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) is a crucial financial mechanism in the United States, established to support the preservation of cultural and historical resources. It was created by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which aimed to preserve the diverse heritage of the nation by providing financial assistance for the preservation of historic sites, buildings, and objects. The fund is administered by the National Park Service (NPS), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior, and is instrumental in supporting state, tribal, and local preservation efforts.
The fund's primary objective is to promote the preservation of historic properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The HPF provides matching grants to states, tribes, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to carry out preservation projects. These projects include the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic resources.
Funding and Allocation
The HPF is financed through revenue generated from offshore oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf. This funding mechanism ensures that the exploitation of natural resources contributes to the preservation of cultural resources. The fund is authorized at $150 million annually, although actual appropriations may vary each year based on congressional decisions.
State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs)
Each state has a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), which plays a vital role in the administration of HPF grants. SHPOs are responsible for developing and implementing state preservation plans, conducting surveys of historic properties, and nominating properties to the National Register. They also provide technical assistance and education to local governments and the public. A significant portion of the HPF is allocated to SHPOs to support these activities.
Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs)
Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs) are the tribal counterparts to SHPOs. They are responsible for preserving cultural resources on tribal lands. The HPF provides funding to THPOs to support their efforts in managing and protecting tribal historic properties. This funding is crucial for maintaining the cultural heritage and traditions of Native American tribes.
Grant Programs
The HPF supports several grant programs, each designed to address specific preservation needs. These programs include:
Save America's Treasures
Save America's Treasures is a grant program that provides funding for the preservation of nationally significant historic properties and collections. It targets projects that require urgent preservation work and have a significant impact on the nation's cultural heritage. The program is highly competitive, and grants are awarded based on the historical significance and urgency of the projects.
Underrepresented Community Grants
This program aims to diversify the National Register by supporting projects that document and preserve the history of underrepresented communities. It provides funding for surveys, documentation, and nominations of properties associated with minority groups, including African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and LGBTQ+ communities.
African American Civil Rights Grants
The African American Civil Rights Grants program focuses on preserving sites and stories related to the African American struggle for civil rights. It supports projects that document, interpret, and preserve the history of the Civil Rights Movement, ensuring that these pivotal moments in American history are not forgotten.
Impact and Challenges
The HPF has had a significant impact on historic preservation efforts across the United States. It has facilitated the preservation of thousands of historic properties, contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of communities. Preservation projects funded by the HPF often lead to increased tourism, job creation, and community revitalization.
However, the fund faces several challenges. One of the primary challenges is the variability in annual appropriations, which can affect the planning and implementation of preservation projects. Additionally, there is a growing need for funding to address the preservation of modern and post-war era buildings, which are becoming increasingly recognized for their historical significance.
Future Directions
The future of the HPF involves addressing these challenges and expanding its scope to include a broader range of historic resources. Efforts are underway to increase funding levels and ensure consistent appropriations. There is also a push to enhance collaboration between federal, state, tribal, and local entities to maximize the impact of preservation efforts.
Furthermore, the HPF is exploring innovative approaches to preservation, such as integrating sustainability and climate resilience into preservation practices. This includes promoting the use of green technologies in the rehabilitation of historic buildings and addressing the impacts of climate change on cultural resources.