Historic Preservation Fund Under Threat

The Federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) has been around since 1977 to provide financial assistance to carry out activities related to preservation. This funding source is essential for meeting the federal vision for historic preservation in the U.S. set out in the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act. This funding is provided from Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas lease revenues, not tax dollars, and is appropriated annually by Congress. These awards are made in the case of Nebraska to the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office who funds statewide preservation activities, individual grant programs, and our certified local governments (local preservation programs).

Examples of this funding at work in Lincoln in the last few years include support to PAL brown bag lectures, nomination of the Speidel Barn in the National Register, hosting of the window restoration workshop last fall, and hiring a student intern to assist with Lincoln’s historic preservation design standards overhaul. This is only a small fraction of what this funding has accomplished locally as well as across the state and nation. Continued funding at existing levels is necessary to protect our historic resources and educate on historic preservation in our communities.

Unfortunately the Federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) has been identified for major cuts and current funding still has not reached its intended destinations. This would severely undermine the work of local and state historic preservation programs including here in Lincoln and at the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office. We ask that you take action now to make your voice heard. There are two ways you can get involved:

• Sign the petition: PAL has started a physical petition that we encourage you to add your name to the list of concerned residents over these funding cuts. You can do so in person Friday May 16th at the annual meeting and awards ceremony or contact us to arrange a time to sign in person.

• Reach out to your representatives: We have several key Members of Congress in Nebraska, including Senator Fischer who is on the Senate Appropriations committee.

  Your quick action is important!  Please share with others as every voice counts! Below is contact information for Nebraska’s delegation.

  • Senator Deb Fischer via Sidney Kucera, DC Legislative Aide, sidney_kucera@fischer.senate.gov

  • Senator Pete Ricketts via Andrew Nam, DC Legislative Aide, andrew_nam@ricketts.senate.gov

  • Congressman Mike Flood via Deb Schorr, DC Legislative Aide, deb.schorr@mail.house.gov

  • Congressman Don Bacon via Curran Glister, DC Legislative Aide, curran.gilster@mail.house.gov

  • Congressman Adrian Smith via Jimmy Gao, DC Legislative Aide, jimmy.gao@mail.house.gov
    

Our history once lost can't be restored.  We have one chance in many cases and if we fail we lose a part of American History.  Historic Preservation is also Economic Development.  It's the conversion of old buildings into housing, main street shops, and is the pride of the American public and communities. Please get involved to ensure America's Future includes America's Past . Help protect and ensure funding for the Historic Preservation Fund.