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Good morning,
There is a funding crisis developing for our State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and we are thoughtfully asking you to contact your Congress member today to ask them to assist in getting budgets and funding approved. Funding for SHPO has been congressionally appropriated through the Historic Preservation Fund, but is currently on hold for FY 2025. Additionally, the Historic Preservation Fund is eliminated in the President's proposed budget for FY 2026. Without this funding, the future existence of our SHPO is in doubt, as well as all of the historic projects in Oklahoma facilitated by that office.
The frontline of historic preservation in every U.S. state, 5 U.S. territories, 3 freely associated states, and the District of Columbia is their SHPO. These offices conduct a vital mission in preserving our historical and archeological locations, which help tell the American story. In addition to preservation of historical sites, these offices help facilitate the National Historic Registry program, educate on the impact of new development on historical and archaeological sites in their area, and provide technical assistance for historic tax credit projects.
Currently in Oklahoma, there are 60 active tax credit applications for over $380,000,000. Without the SHPO staff in Oklahoma, it will be nearly impossible for these applications to be processed to complete important projects in our state. The projects are also impacted by the Washington, D.C, staff who are in danger as well.
Please contact your Congress members, especially those on appropriations committees today to ask them to:
1. Uphold the authority of the legislative branch to appropriate funds by facilitating the immediate approval of the FY25 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) & subsequent swift review & approval of applications to ensure the work of SHPOs & THPOs continues to aid in the preservation of our nation’s heritage.
2. Demonstrate continued, bipartisan commitment to our nation’s history, ahead of the 2026 Semi quincentennial – by proposing FY26 appropriations necessary for SHPOs & THPOs to carry out the requirements of the NHPA, emphasizing their role as stewards of our nation’s history; and by investing in preservation projects that recognize the past, with an eye toward the future.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication to protecting Oklahoma’s rich historical legacy.
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