Historic Preservation Fund

Historic Preservation Fund. Established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, it is a primary federal funding source dedicated to preserving the nation's cultural heritage. The fund supports a wide array of preservation activities administered by the National Park Service in partnership with State Historic Preservation Offices, Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, and local governments. Its creation marked a pivotal shift towards a more systematic and federally supported approach to safeguarding historic districts, archaeological sites, and culturally significant structures across the United States.

History and establishment

The fund was created as a cornerstone of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, a landmark piece of legislation signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This act emerged from growing national concern over the loss of historic resources during the post-World War II construction boom, exemplified by the controversial demolition of New York's original Pennsylvania Station. The legislation established the framework for the National Register of Historic Places and mandated the creation of State Historic Preservation Offices. The fund was designed to provide consistent financial support to these new state programs and to empower a broader coalition, including entities like the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, in preservation efforts.

Funding and allocation

Revenue for the fund is derived primarily from federal Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas lease royalties, not from annual congressional appropriations, though Congress must authorize its annual disbursement. Allocations are formula-based, with the majority of funds distributed to State Historic Preservation Offices and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices as mandated by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Significant portions are also dedicated to specific programs such as the Save America's Treasures grant program and the competitive Historic Preservation Fund grants for underrepresented communities. Oversight of allocations and compliance is managed by the National Park Service in consultation with the Department of the Interior.

Eligible projects and activities

Eligible uses of the fund are diverse and aimed at supporting the entire preservation process. This includes funding comprehensive archaeological surveys and historic structure reports to identify and document resources. Grants support the rehabilitation and restoration of properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, ranging from iconic landmarks like Mount Vernon to Main Street commercial buildings. The fund also finances educational programs, the development of local preservation ordinances, and the operation of Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, which manage cultural resources on tribal lands. Special initiatives often target preservation needs in National Heritage Areas and sites associated with the Underground Railroad.

Impact and significance

The fund has had a profound impact on the American landscape, enabling the survey and designation of over one million properties on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been instrumental in revitalizing historic downtowns through programs like Main Street America, spurring economic development and heritage tourism in cities such as Charleston and Savannah. By supporting Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, it has empowered tribes like the Navajo Nation and Cherokee Nation to manage and protect their own cultural heritage. The fund's support for battlefield preservation through the American Battlefield Protection Program has safeguarded sites from Gettysburg to Little Bighorn.

Administration and oversight

The National Park Service, an agency within the Department of the Interior, is the primary administrator. The National Park Service works closely with a network of State Historic Preservation Officers and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers to implement programs at the local level. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation provides independent policy advice and oversees the Section 106 review process, which is often supported by fund monies. Congressional oversight is exercised through committees such as the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, which review authorization and appropriation matters.