American Battlefield Protection Amendments

Summary#

This bill changes parts of the American Battlefield Protection Program in title 54 of the U.S. Code. It extends the authorized period for the Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program from 2028 to 2036. It amends the Battlefield Interpretation Modernization Grant Program and the Battlefield Restoration Grant Program by replacing the number "50" with "75" in each program's subsection (c), removes one subsection of the interpretation program, and replaces a subsection of the restoration program to authorize funding. The bill authorizes $2,000,000 per fiscal year through fiscal year 2036 for grants under the interpretation and restoration grant sections. The bill also directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare studies of sites and structures in the United States tied to the French and Indian War (1754–1763) and the Mexican–American War (1846–1848). The studies must identify sites, assess their relative significance, evaluate threats to site integrity, provide preservation and interpretation alternatives (including possible National Park System designation), consider prior studies, consult with states, tribes, local governments, and preservation organizations, and report results to relevant Congressional committees within two years after funds are available.

What it means for you#

• If you apply for Battlefield Interpretation Modernization or Battlefield Restoration grants, the law text changes a numeric value from 50 to 75 in each program's subsection (c); applicants and grant administrators should review the updated statutory language to see how it affects cost-sharing or other numeric limits.
• The Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program remains authorized through 2036.
• The Interior Department will study French and Indian War and Mexican–American War sites. Those studies will involve consultation with affected Governors, Tribes, local governments, and preservation groups and could lead to federal preservation actions or recommendations.

Expenses#

• The bill authorizes $2,000,000 for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2036 to provide grants under the Battlefield Interpretation Modernization and Battlefield Restoration sections (308104 and 308105).
• The text extends authorization dates for an acquisition grant program to 2036 but does not list appropriation amounts for that program in the bill text provided.
• No publicly available information on total costs to carry out the required studies or any additional funding needed beyond the $2,000,000 annual authorization for the two grant programs.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.