Historic Preservation: Background and Funding

Publication Date: August 2003

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Government

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Abstract:

This report summarizes the federal role in historic preservation. It provides descriptions of and funding information for some of the major preservation programs, including the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the National Register for Historic Places.

Some Members of Congress have given historic preservation programs close scrutiny and have recommended that historic preservation activities be supported increasingly by the private sector. The FY2004 House-passed Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations bill ( H.R. 2691) would provide $71 million for the HPF, while the Senate Committee's recommendation is for $75.7 million. This report will be updated to reflect legislative action.