The Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), which funds the rehabilitation of historic sites and is set to expire on Sept. 30, would be reauthorized for 10 years under a bipartisan bill introduced on Monday by U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH).
“I’ll continue to support the Historic Preservation Fund, which plays a vital role in preserving and promoting historical treasures here in the Miami Valley [of Ohio] and across the country,” Rep. Turner said.
Rep. Turner sponsored H.R. 3350 with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR). Both lawmakers co-chair the Historic Preservation Caucus.
In his home state, Rep. Turner said that the fund has been instrumental in the rehab of several sites and established the Wright-Dunbar Village Historic District in West Dayton, Ohio, which was once home to the Wright Brothers and African American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar.
“In fact, the Dayton region is home to 238 national register listings with a total local economic impact of over $377 million,” said Rep. Turner.
The HPF derives its funding from royalties from offshore drilling in U.S. waters and serves as the umbrella fund for several federal preservation efforts, including the Save America’s Treasures program, according to the congressman’s office.
“The Historic Preservation Fund protects our most treasured sites,” said Rep. Blumenauer. “It’s time to provide greater support for important historic projects across the country, ensuring we can continue to preserve and honor our heritage for generations to come.”