This week Congress passed a continuing resolution, funding the government through December 7th. The bill was signed by President Trump Friday, averting a potential government shutdown on September 30th. The continuing resolution provides level funding for all unpassed appropriations bills, giving lawmakers more time to complete their work on the remaining appropriations bills. The House also announced they would begin their recess early, cancelling all October votes.This likely means the Interior Appropriations bill will not be approved until after the midterm elections. The Interior Appropriations Bill passed the House and Senate and the differences between the two bills are currently being reconciled by a conference committee. 

The House passed Interior Appropriations bill included $101.41 million for the Historic Preservation Fund, $4.5 million increase over FY18 enacted levels, while the Senate version includes $91.91 million for the HPF, $5 million below FY18 levels.

Preservation Action is asking everyone to reach out to your members of Congress, and urge them to support the HPF funding levels approved in the House passed FY19 Interior Appropriations Bill. This is especially important if your members of Congress are serving on the conference committee. Explain the HPF is funded through oil and gas lease revenue, not tax payer dollars and the HPF funds the work of State and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers and critically important grant programs that help support preservation projects across the country, including in their district/state.

Senate Committee Expected to Consider LWCF Reauthorization and the Restore Our Parks Act Next Week

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is expected to consider a series of lands bills on Tuesday, including legislation to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and legislation to address the deferred maintenance backlog at the National Park Service (NPS). This hearing would come two days after the LWCF's authority lapses on September 30th. If the program's authority lapses, payments can still be made but, revenue that would normally go into the LWCF would instead go toward general government funding. 

The committee's Ranking Member, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced the Land an Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act ( S.569) in March to permanently reauthorize the LWCF. The bill has significant bipartisan support, with 47 cosponsors. The Restore Our Parks Act ( S. 3172), introduced by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Mark Warner (D-VA) would establish a dedicated fund using revenue from energy development to address the nearly $12 billion maintenance backlog at the NPS.

The House Natural Resources Committee approved legislation to permanently reauthorize the LWCF and address the NPS maintenance backlog earlier this month.  Currently the Restore Our Parks Act is up to  182 cosponsors  in the House and 30 cosponsors  in the Senate. If they haven't already, urge your Representative and Senators to cosponsor this important legislation today!

20 Projects From Across the Country Compete for $2 Million in Preservation Funding

20 projects from across the country are competing for $2 million in preservation funding. These 20 historic sites highlight the county's diversity and fight for equality. The Vote Your Main Street Campaign invites the public to vote for which of these historic sites should receive $2 million in preservation funding. The campaign is part of the Partners in Preservation initiative launched between the National Trust for Historic Preservation, American Express, and National Geographic to increase public awareness and engagement in preserving America's historic places.

Some of the preservation projects competing for funding include the 16th Street Baptist church in Birmingham Alabama, Freedom Tower, known as the "Ellis Island of the south" in Miami, Florida, and the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, New York. These are just a few of the 20 fantastic projects all vying for preservation funding. Voting is open until October 26th. Explore the projects and vote today!

Get your tickets today for Preservation Action Foundation's  Legendary Party and Live Auction in San Francisco. The annual after party and auction will take place on November 14, 2018 immediately following the Opening Reception of the National Preservation Conference. Enjoy the atmosphere and exhibits  at the   California Historical Society , located in the former San Francisco Builders Exchange building in the vibrant Yerba Buena neighborhood, just a mile from the conference headquarters.

The annual auction has long been a highlight for Preservation Action Foundation and of the National Preservation Conference. Last year's auction in Chicago was a huge success and were excited to top that this year!

Take advantage of early-bird prices! Prices increase starting Monday, Oct. 1st. Get your tickets today!

Get Your Tickets Today!

Donate an Auction Item

This is our largest fundraiser of the year and the proceeds from this event are used to assist the education and training, advocacy, and programs of the Preservation Action Foundation.  We are currently seeking donations of auction items like hotel stays, tours of historic sites and other unique experiences. This is a great way to highlight your organization and city/state to an active and interested group of people. Download the 2018 Auction Request Letter and Donation Form and check out our website for more information.