Extend and Increase Historic Preservation Fund

Summary#

This bill extends and increases funding for the federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). It changes existing law so the HPF runs through 2035 and raises the annual amount set for the fund from $150 million to $250 million. The goal appears to be to provide longer-term and larger support for historic preservation activities.

• Extends the HPF authorization from 2023 to 2035.
• Raises the annual HPF amount from $150 million to $250 million.
• Does not change what the HPF may be used for under current law.
• Does not create new programs, rules, or penalties.
• Under current law, money in the HPF typically still needs annual appropriation by Congress before it can be spent.
• The bill does not specify how funds are divided among states, Tribes, or grant programs; existing rules continue to apply.

What it means for you#

• State Historic Preservation Offices (states and territories)
  • Could see larger federal grant allocations if Congress appropriates the higher amount.
  • May be able to fund more surveys, National Register nominations, project reviews, and local assistance.
• Tribal governments and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices
  • Could have access to more HPF dollars for Tribal preservation work, subject to appropriations and existing eligibility rules.
• Certified Local Governments (local governments with approved preservation programs)
  • May receive more pass-through grants from their state, if overall HPF appropriations increase.
• Nonprofits and property owners seeking preservation grants
  • There could be more competitive grant funding available through existing HPF grant programs, depending on future appropriations.
• General public and taxpayers
  • No direct change to taxes or to historic preservation rules. This bill only extends and increases the funding level for an existing fund.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

• The bill increases the annual amount directed to the HPF to $250 million through 2035. This could shift more federal revenue into the HPF compared to prior law.
• Actual federal spending from the HPF still depends on future appropriations bills.
• The bill does not provide a cost estimate or detail administrative changes.

Proponents' View#

• The bill appears intended to provide stable, longer-term funding for historic preservation by extending the HPF through 2035.
• Increasing the annual amount to $250 million could help address inflation and growing preservation needs since the prior $150 million level.
• States, Tribes, and local governments could plan better and maintain preservation staff and programs with a higher and longer authorization.
• More funding could support protection of historic sites, community revitalization, and documentation of underrepresented histories through existing grant programs.

Opponents' View#

• One concern is that raising the annual amount to $250 million directs more federal revenue to the HPF, which could reduce funds available for other federal priorities.
• It is unclear whether the higher authorization will translate into higher actual spending if Congress does not appropriate the full amount each year.
• The bill does not include new oversight or program changes, so some may question whether increased funding is paired with performance measures or reforms.
• Extending authorization to 2035 without intermediate review could limit opportunities to reassess funding levels or priorities sooner.