Historic Preservation Enhancement Act

Summary#

This measure changes how the Historic Preservation Fund is funded and spent. It raises the annual amount to be deposited in the Fund to $300,000,000. If the usual revenues are not enough, the difference may be taken from the general fund of the Treasury. Money deposited for fiscal year 2026 and later will be available for spending starting in fiscal year 2027 and thereafter without another appropriation or yearly limit. The bill sets minimum allocation rules: at least 40% of Fund amounts must go to State Historic Preservation Offices and at least 20% must go to Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (with the tribal share increased if the number of tribal offices grows). The President must submit proposed allocations for fiscal year 2027 within 90 days after enactment and include allocations in the annual budget each year after. Appropriations acts may set alternate allocations, but if Congress does not do so the President will allocate the funds. The bill also allows the President to distribute funds to state and tribal offices during a continuing resolution at prior-year rates. The President must send an annual report to Congress describing the final allocation by program. The bill lists programs that may receive Fund money, including African American Civil Rights Movement Initiative & Grants, History of Equal Rights Grants, Survey Grants for Underrepresented Communities, and Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants.

What it means for you#

• More money is directed to historic preservation programs each year: the Fund deposit is increased to $300 million.
• State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices are guaranteed minimum shares (40% for states, 20% for tribes). Tribal shares adjust if the number of tribal offices grows.
• Funds deposited for fiscal year 2026 and later will be ready to spend in fiscal year 2027 and later without needing a new appropriation.
• The President will propose and, in some cases, allocate how the money is split among programs and offices; Congress can provide different allocations through appropriations acts.
• Specific programs named in the bill may receive money from the Fund, subject to available appropriations.

Expenses#

• The bill increases the annual deposit amount in the Historic Preservation Fund from $150,000,000 to $300,000,000 as shown in the text.
• If designated revenues are insufficient to cover the deposit, the shortfall may be paid from the Treasury general fund.
• The bill says amounts made available under these provisions are to be spent without further appropriation or fiscal year limitation starting in fiscal year 2027.
• No publicly available information about overall net federal budget impact, detailed cost estimates, or changes to other federal spending is included in the provided text.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.