[Senate Report 110-365]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 797
110th Congress Report
SENATE
2d Session 110-365
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PRESERVE AMERICA AND SAVE AMERICA'S TREASURES ACT
_______
June 16, 2008.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Bingaman, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany S. 2262]
The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to which was
referred the bill (S. 2262) to authorize the Preserve America
Program and Save America's Treasures Program, and for other
purposes, having considered the same, reports favorably thereon
with an amendment and recommends that the bill, as amended, do
pass.
The amendment is as follows:
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert in lieu
thereof the following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Preserve America and
Save America's Treasures Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--PRESERVE AMERICA PROGRAM
Sec. 101. Purpose.
Sec. 102. Definitions.
Sec. 103. Establishment.
Sec. 104. Designation of Preserve America Communities.
Sec. 105. Regulations.
Sec. 106. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE II--SAVE AMERICA'S TREASURES PROGRAM
Sec. 201. Purpose.
Sec. 202. Definitions.
Sec. 203. Establishment.
Sec. 204. Regulations.
Sec. 205. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE I--PRESERVE AMERICA PROGRAM
SEC. 101. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this title is to authorize the Preserve America
Program, including--
(1) the Preserve America grant program within the Department
of the Interior;
(2) the recognition programs administered by the Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation; and
(3) the related efforts of Federal agencies, working in
partnership with State, tribal, and local governments and the
private sector, to support and promote the preservation of
historic resources.
SEC. 102. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Council.--The term ``Council'' means the Advisory Council
on Historic Preservation.
(2) Heritage tourism.--The term ``heritage tourism'' means
the conduct of activities to attract and accommodate visitors
to a site or area based on the unique or special aspects of the
history, landscape (including trail systems), and culture of
the site or area.
(3) Program.--The term ``program'' means the Preserve America
Program established under section 103(a).
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
the Interior.
SEC. 103. ESTABLISHMENT.
(a) In General.--There is established in the Department of the
Interior the Preserve America Program, under which the Secretary, in
partnership with the Council, may provide competitive grants to States,
local governments (including local governments in the process of
applying for designation as Preserve America Communities under section
104), Indian tribes, communities designated as Preserve America
Communities under section 104, State historic preservation offices, and
tribal historic preservation offices to support preservation efforts
through heritage tourism, education, and historic preservation planning
activities.
(b) Eligible Projects.--
(1) In general.--The following projects shall be eligible for
a grant under this title:
(A) A project for the conduct of--
(i) research on, and documentation of, the
history of a community; and
(ii) surveys of the historic resources of a
community.
(B) An education and interpretation project that
conveys the history of a community or site.
(C) A planning project (other than building
rehabilitation) that advances economic development
using heritage tourism and historic preservation.
(D) A training project that provides opportunities
for professional development in areas that would aid a
community in using and promoting its historic
resources.
(E) A project to support heritage tourism in a
Preserve America Community designated under section
104.
(F) Other nonconstruction projects that identify or
promote historic properties or provide for the
education of the public about historic properties that
are consistent with the purposes of this Act.
(2) Limitation.--In providing grants under this title, the
Secretary shall only provide 1 grant to each eligible project
selected for a grant.
(c) Preference.--In providing grants under this title, the Secretary
may give preference to projects that carry out the purposes of both the
program and the Save America's Treasures Program.
(d) Consultation and Notification.--
(1) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with the
Council in preparing the list of projects to be provided grants
for a fiscal year under the program.
(2) Notification.--Not later than 30 days before the date on
which the Secretary provides grants for a fiscal year under the
program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy
and Natural Resources of the Senate, the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate, the Committee on Natural
Resources of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives a list of any
eligible projects that are to be provided grants under the
program for the fiscal year.
(e) Cost-Sharing Requirement.--
(1) In general.--The non-Federal share of the cost of
carrying out a project provided a grant under this title shall
be not less than 50 percent of the total cost of the project.
(2) Form of non-federal share.--The non-Federal share
required under paragraph (1) shall be in the form of--
(A) cash; or
(B) donated supplies and related services, the value
of which shall be determined by the Secretary.
(3) Requirement.--The Secretary shall ensure that each
applicant for a grant has the capacity to secure, and a
feasible plan for securing, the non-Federal share for an
eligible project required under paragraph (1) before a grant is
provided to the eligible project under the program.
SEC. 104. DESIGNATION OF PRESERVE AMERICA COMMUNITIES.
(a) Application.--To be considered for designation as a Preserve
America Community, a community, tribal area, or neighborhood shall
submit to the Council an application containing such information as the
Council may require.
(b) Criteria.--To be designated as a Preserve America Community under
the program, a community, tribal area, or neighborhood that submits an
application under subsection (a) shall, as determined by the Council,
in consultation with the Secretary, meet criteria required by the
Council and, in addition, consider--
(1) protection and celebration of the heritage of the
community, tribal area, or neighborhood;
(2) use of the historic assets of the community, tribal area,
or neighborhood for economic development and community
revitalization; and
(3) encouragement of people to experience and appreciate
local historic resources through education and heritage tourism
programs.
(c) Local Governments Previously Certified for Historic Preservation
Activities.--The Council shall establish an expedited process for
Preserve America Community designation for local governments previously
certified for historic preservation activities under section 101(c)(1)
of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470a(c)(1)).
(d) Guidelines.--The Council, in consultation with the Secretary,
shall establish any guidelines that are necessary to carry out this
section.
SEC. 105. REGULATIONS.
The Secretary shall develop any guidelines and issue any regulations
that the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out this title.
SEC. 106. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title
$25,000,000 for each fiscal year, to remain available until expended.
TITLE II--SAVE AMERICA'S TREASURES PROGRAM
SEC. 201. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this title is to authorize within the Department of
the Interior the Save America's Treasures Program, to be carried out by
the Director of the National Park Service, in partnership with--
(1) the National Endowment for the Arts;
(2) the National Endowment for the Humanities;
(3) the Institute of Museum and Library Services;
(4) the National Trust for Historic Preservation;
(5) the National Conference of State Historic Preservation
Officers;
(6) the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation
Officers; and
(7) the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.
SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Collection.--The term ``collection'' means a collection
of intellectual and cultural artifacts, including documents,
sculpture, and works of art.
(2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means a
Federal entity, State, local, or tribal government, educational
institution, or nonprofit organization.
(3) Historic property.--The term ``historic property'' has
the meaning given the term in section 301 of the National
Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470w).
(4) Nationally significant.--The term ``nationally
significant'' means a collection or historic property that
meets the applicable criteria for national significance, in
accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary
pursuant to section 101(a)(2) of the National Historic
Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470a(a)(2)).
(5) Program.--The term ``program'' means the Save America's
Treasures Program established under section 203(a).
(6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park
Service.
SEC. 203. ESTABLISHMENT.
(a) In General.--There is established in the Department of the
Interior the Save America's Treasures program, under which the amounts
made available to the Secretary under section 205 shall be used by the
Secretary, in consultation with the organizations described in section
201, subject to subsection (f)(1)(B), to provide grants to eligible
entities for projects to preserve nationally significant collections
and historic properties.
(b) Determination of Grants.--Of the amounts made available for
grants under section 205, not less than 50 percent shall be made
available for grants for projects to preserve collections and historic
properties, to be distributed through a competitive grant process
administered by the Secretary, subject to the eligibility criteria
established under subsection (e).
(c) Applications for Grants.--To be considered for a competitive
grant under the program an eligible entity shall submit to the
Secretary an application containing such information as the Secretary
may require.
(d) Collections and Historic Properties Eligible for Competitive
Grants.--
(1) In general.--A collection or historic property shall be
provided a competitive grant under the program only if the
Secretary determines that the collection or historic property
is--
(A) nationally significant; and
(B) threatened or endangered.
(2) Eligible collections.--A determination by the Secretary
regarding the national significance of collections under
paragraph (1)(A) shall be made in consultation with the
organizations described in section 201, as appropriate.
(3) Eligible historic properties.--To be eligible for a
competitive grant under the program, a historic property shall,
as of the date of the grant application--
(A) be listed in the National Register of Historic
Places at the national level of significance; or
(B) be designated as a National Historic Landmark.
(e) Selection Criteria for Grants.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall not provide a grant
under this title to a project for an eligible collection or
historic property unless the project--
(A) eliminates or substantially mitigates the threat
of destruction or deterioration of the eligible
collection or historic property;
(B) has a clear public benefit; and
(C) is able to be completed on schedule and within
the budget described in the grant application.
(2) Preference.--In providing grants under this title, the
Secretary may give preference to projects that carry out the
purposes of both the program and the Preserve America Program.
(3) Limitation.--In providing grants under this title, the
Secretary shall only provide 1 grant to each eligible project
selected for a grant.
(f) Consultation and Notification by Secretary.--
(1) Consultation.--
(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
Secretary shall consult with the organizations
described in section 201 in preparing the list of
projects to be provided grants for a fiscal year by the
Secretary under the program.
(B) Limitation.--If an entity described in
subparagraph (A) has submitted an application for a
grant under the program, the entity shall be recused by
the Secretary from the consultation requirements under
that subparagraph and subsection (a).
(2) Notification.--Not later than 30 days before the date on
which the Secretary provides grants for a fiscal year under the
program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy
and Natural Resources of the Senate, the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate, the Committee on Natural
Resources of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives a list of any
eligible projects that are to be provided grants under the
program for the fiscal year.
(g) Cost-Sharing Requirement.--
(1) In general.--The non-Federal share of the cost of
carrying out a project provided a grant under this title shall
be not less than 50 percent of the total cost of the project.
(2) Form of non-federal share.--The non-Federal share
required under paragraph (1) shall be in the form of--
(A) cash; or
(B) donated supplies or related services, the value
of which shall be determined by the Secretary.
(3) Requirement.--The Secretary shall ensure that each
applicant for a grant has the capacity and a feasible plan for
securing the non-Federal share for an eligible project required
under paragraph (1) before a grant is provided to the eligible
project under the program.
SEC. 204. REGULATIONS.
The Secretary shall develop any guidelines and issue any regulations
that the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out this title.
SEC. 205. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title
$50,000,000 for each fiscal year, to remain available until expended.
PURPOSE
The purpose of S. 2262 is to establish the Save America's
Treasures and Preserve America historic preservation programs
within the Department of the Interior.
BACKGROUND AND NEED
S. 2262 would provide statutory authority for two historic
preservation programs which have been established
administratively: The Preserve America and the Save America's
Treasures programs.
Save America's Treasures was established by Executive Order
13072 on February 2, 1998, by President Clinton. It was
originally founded as the centerpiece of the White House
National Millennium Commemoration and as a public-private
partnership that included the White House, the National Park
Service, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Dedicated to the preservation and celebration of America's
historic legacy, the Save America's Treasures program works to
recognize and preserve the enduring national symbols of
American tradition. Save America's Treasures' grants may be
awarded by the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the
Director of the National Parks Service, to Federal, State,
local, and tribal government entities, educational
institutions, and non-profit organizations through a
competitive program. Grants may be awarded to preserve
collections or historic properties that the Secretary
determines are both nationally significant, and threatened or
endangered. Approximately 50 percent of funds for the program
are typically awarded by Department of the Interior as
competitive grants and the remaining 50 percent are
appropriated by Congress.
Through Executive Order 13287 of March 3, 2003, President
Bush established the Preserve America Initiative to promote the
preservation of America's heritage by advancing the protection,
enhancement, and contemporary use of the historic properties
owned by the Federal Government, and by promoting
intergovernmental cooperation and partnerships for the
preservation and use of historic properties. The components of
Preserve America include the designation of communities that
protect and celebrate their heritage, grants awarded to support
community efforts to demonstrate sustainable uses of their
historic and cultural sites and the economic and educational
opportunities related to heritage tourism, and Presidential
awards to organizations, businesses, and government entities.
Both the Preserve America Program and the Save America's
Treasures Program have successfully preserved some of our
nation's most important collections and historic properties.
Although both programs have operated successfully, neither has
been formally authorized. S. 2262 will provide a permanent
authorization for both programs.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
S. 2262 was introduced by Senators Domenici and Clinton on
October 30, 2007. Senators Bingaman, Burr, Alexander, Martinez,
Cochran, and Hutchison are cosponsors. The Subcommittee on
National Parks held a hearing on the bill on April 9, 2008.
At its business meeting on May 7, 2008, the Committee on
Energy and Natural Resources ordered S. 2262 favorably
reported, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in open
business session on May 7, 2008, by a voice vote of a quorum
present, recommends that the Senate pass S. 2262, if amended as
described herein.
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT
During its consideration of S. 2262, the Committee adopted
an amendment in the nature of a substitute. The amendment makes
several clarifying changes and is explained in detail in the
section-by-section analysis, below.
SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS
Section 1 contains the short title, the ``Preserve America
and Save America's Treasures Act'', and includes the table of
contents.
Title I establishes the Preserve America Program.
Section 101 states that the purpose of the title is to
authorize the Preserve America program, including a grant
program administered by the Department of the Interior,
recognition programs administered by the Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation, and related efforts of Federal agencies.
Section 102 defines key terms used in the title.
Section 103(a) establishes the Preserve America Program in
the Department of the Interior.
Subsection (b) describes projects which are eligible to
receive grants under the program.
Subsection (c) states that the Secretary of the Interior
may give preference in providing grants to projects that carry
out the purposes of both the Preserve America and Save
America's Treasures programs.
Subsection (d) requires the Secretary to consult with the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in preparing the list
of projects to be provided with grants for each fiscal year.
Subsection (e) requires that the non-Federal share of a
project provided with a Preserve America grant must be at least
50 percent of the total cost of the project.
Section 104(a) provides that, to be considered as a
``Preserve America Community,'' a community, tribal area, or
neighborhood shall submit to the Advisory Council such
information as the Council may require.
Subsection (b) authorized the Advisory Council to establish
criteria for communities to be designated as a Preserve America
Community, and lists additional criteria the Advisory Council
is to consider.
Subsection (c) directs the Advisory Council to establish an
expedited process for Preserve America community designation
for local governments previously certified for historic
preservation activities under section 101(c)(1) of the National
Historic Preservation Act.
Subsection (d) authorizes the Advisory Council, in
consultation with the Secretary, to establish any guidelines
that are necessary to carry out this section.
Section 105 authorizes the Secretary to develop any
guidelines and issue any regulations the Secretary determines
necessary to carry out this title.
Section 106 authorizes the appropriation of $25 million
each year to carry out this title.
Title II establishes the Save America's Treasures Program.
Section 201 states that the purpose of the title is to
authorize the Save America's Treasure's Program, to be carried
out by the Director of the National Park Service, in
partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the
National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum
and Library Services, the National Trust for Historic
Preservation, the National Conference of State Historic
Preservation Officers, the National Association of Tribal
Historic Preservation Officers, and the President's Committee
on the Arts and the Humanities.
Section 202 defines key terms used in the title.
Section 203(a) establishes the Preserve America Program in
the Department of the Interior.
Subsection (b) provides that at least one-half of the
grants made available for the program shall be for projects to
preserve collections and historic properties, to be distributed
through a competitive grant program administered by the
Secretary.
Subsection (c) authorizes the Secretary to establish
requirements for applicants seeking Save America's Treasures
grants.
Subsection (d) lists criteria for collections or historic
properties eligible to receive a grant.
Subsection (e) lists the selection criteria for eligible
collections or historic properties to receive a grant.
Subsection (f) requires the Secretary to consult with the
organizations described in section 201 in preparing the list of
projects to be provided grants in each fiscal year.
Subsection (g) requires that the non-Federal share of a
project provided with a Save America's Treasures grant must be
at least 50 percent of the total cost of the project.
Section 204 authorizes the Secretary to develop any
guidelines and issue any regulations the Secretary determines
necessary to carry out this title.
Section 205 authorizes the appropriation of $50 million
each year to carry out this title.
COST AND BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS
The following estimate of costs of this measure has been
provided by the Congressional Budget Office:
S. 2262--Preserve America and Save America's Treasures Act
Summary: S. 2262 would authorize appropriations totaling
$75 million annually for two grant programs administered by the
National Park Service (NPS). Assuming appropriation of the
authorized amounts, CBO estimates that implementing S. 2262
would cost about $300 million over the 2009-2013 period and $75
million a year after 2013.
The bill contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal
governments.
Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated
budgetary impact of S. 2262 is shown in the following table.
The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 300
(natural resources and environment).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
--------------------------------------------------
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2009-2013
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Authorization Level.......................................... 75 75 75 75 75 375
Estimated Outlays............................................ 25 50 75 75 75 300
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basis of estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes that the
legislation will be enacted near the end of fiscal year 2008
and that authorized amounts will be provided as specified in
the bill. Estimated outlays are based on historical spending
patterns for the two programs.
S. 2262 would permanently authorize the appropriation of
$25 million a year for the Preserve America program and $50
million a year for the Save America's Treasures program.
Appropriations to those programs fund grants to states, local
governments, and other eligible entities for historic
preservation and similar activities. For fiscal year 2008, the
NPS received appropriations totaling $20 million for the two
grant programs.
Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: S. 2262
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as
defined in UMRA and would impose no costs on state, local, or
tribal governments. The bill would benefit those governments by
authorizing grants for historic preservation; any costs to
those entities would be incurred voluntarily.
Estimated prepared by: Federal Costs: Deborah Reis; Impact
on State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Melissa Merrell;
Impact on the Private Sector: MarDestinee Perez.
Estimate approved by: Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
REGULATORY IMPACT EVALUATION
In compliance with paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee makes the following
evaluation of the regulatory impact which would be incurred in
carrying out S. 2262. The bill is not a regulatory measure in
the sense of imposing Government-established standards or
significant economic responsibilities on private individuals
and businesses.
No personal information would be collected in administering
the program. Therefore, there would be no impact on personal
privacy.
Little, if any, additional paperwork would result from the
enactment of S. 2262, as ordered reported.
CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING
S. 2622, as ordered reported, does not contain any
congressionally directed spending items, limited tax benefits,
or limited tariff benefits as defined by rule XLIV of the
Standing Rules of the Senate.
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
The testimony provided by the National Park Service at the
April 9, 2008, hearing on S. 2262 follows:
Statement of P. Lynn Scarlett, Deputy Secretary, Department of the
Interior
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, thank you for
inviting me to appear before you today to present the
Department of the Interior's views on S. 2262, the Preserve
America and Save America's Treasures Act. I would also like to
thank the sponsors of the bill in both the Senate and the House
for introducing this important legislation. The administration
strongly supports enactment of S. 2262.
The historic and cultural structures and sites in
communities throughout the country serve as the backdrop to the
stories of our past and inspire the future. To help ensure that
future generations will have the opportunity to experience our
past and appreciate our identity as communities and as a
Nation, across America people are adapting places once used in
bygone eras to modern purposes, as community attractions,
places of work, and educational centers. With these efforts, we
are preserving our Nation's culture, history and identity both
for the benefit of future generations and for the enjoyment of
citizens and visitors today. Citizens in communities across
America are the engine behind this historic preservation.
Through a variety of Federal stewardship programs, these
efforts have expanded and flourished. Chief among these
programs are the complementary Preserve America and Save
America's Treasures programs.
Established in 2003, Preserve America is an Administration
initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to
preserve and enjoy the country's cultural and natural heritage.
Preserve America fosters reuse and interpretation of cultural
resources that form the social, educational and economic fabric
of communities. The goals of the initiative include a greater
shared knowledge about our Nation's past, strengthened regional
identities, and increased local participation in preservation
efforts.
Consider just a few examples of how communities throughout
the country are putting these grant dollars to work. In Fort
Smith, Arkansas, local leaders and organizations are developing
a marketing plan to promote the historically significant
central city area to developers, investors, business, and
tourists sparked by a $47,000 Preserve America grant.
Organizers in Gastonia, North Carolina are applying a $29,500
Preserve America grant to the Preserving and Promoting
Gastonia's Heritage project. With these funds, Gastonia will
produce wayfinding signs, a walking-tour brochure and updated
Gastonia Downtown website to promote Gastonia as a heritage and
cultural tourism destination. The people of Burlington, Vermont
are developing a web-based guide to Burlington's cultural and
historic resources for travelers, planners and educators with a
$94,000 Preserve America grant to promote their unique
heritage.
The Preserve America program has been well received by
States and is generating tangible preservation outcomes. For
example, communities in Colorado's southeastern plains,
devastated by job loss, are looking to heritage tourism as a
means of revitalization. A $130,000 Preserve America grant to
the Colorado Historical Society (in association with the
statewide nonprofit, Colorado Preservation, Incorporated)
created a partnership among several counties to develop a
regional planning and marketing program. The effort has helped
connect a host of local historic and prehistoric sites,
including the largest dinosaur track site in North America, and
fostered cooperation among federal, state, and local officials,
business owners, and non-governmental organizations. In
addition, the participating counties have been designated as a
pilot project for Colorado's newly created Heritage Tourism
Initiative. The Preserve America funding, matched by the State
of Colorado, has also leveraged an additional $355,500 in
financial support from local foundations, the counties, and
other entities.
Preserve America does not fund construction,
rehabilitation, or restoration of historic resources. Rather,
it supports planning and development of activities and programs
in heritage tourism, adaptive re-use, and ``living history''
programs that may be usefully replicated across the country.
Perhaps most important, it helps to provide needed support for
communities (including municipalities, urban neighborhoods,
counties, and tribal communities) to fully realize and sustain
preservation's benefits.
Six years ago, the Preserve America initiative was a
concept on paper. Today, thanks, in part, to the tremendous
efforts of John Nau, Chairman of the Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation and co-chair of Preserve America, over
600 Preserve America communities representing all 50 states
enhance their historic and cultural assets through heritage
tourism, education, and preservation. Through John's
creativity, the initiative now includes a grant program to
support heritage tourism, an award program to honor outstanding
partners in historic preservation, and a national history-
teacher-of-the-year award. These accomplishments could not have
occurred without John Nau's vision, tireless focus on
implementation, and ability to inspire partners across the
Nation. While we recognize that in the interest of time
Chairman Nau is not testifying before you today, the ACHP has
prepared a Statement for the Record that I urge you to also
carefully consider as you review this important legislation.
The Save America's Treasures (SAT) grant program is
dedicated to the preservation and celebration of America's
priceless historic legacy. The program also complements the
planning and development support of preservation offered by
Preserve America. The SAT grant program funds ``bricks and
mortar'' improvements to important cultural and historic
landmarks and irreplaceable collections in every corner of the
country. This national effort, created by Executive Order in
1998, recognizes and protects America's threatened cultural
treasures, including historic structures, collections, works of
art, and maps and journals that document and illuminate the
history and culture of the United States.
These competitive grants encourage sustainable historic
resource management and make these enduring symbols of the
American tradition more accessible to scholars and the public
through exhibits, traditional publications, and Web sites. The
Save America's Treasures grants have educated the public on
preservation challenges at the buildings, sites, monuments,
objects and documents that represent America's diverse cultural
legacy and supported preservation of historic collections and
properties.
Over 1,000 Save America's Treasures matching grants have
been, or are in the process of being, awarded to Federal
agencies, State, local and tribal governments, and nonprofit
institutions. Administered by the National Park Service, grants
are awarded competitively, with individual projects only
eligible for one grant, and with all grants requiring a dollar
for dollar local match.
Among the accomplishments of the Save America's Treasures
grant program is rehabilitation of the Sheridan Inn in
Sheridan, Wyoming, once leased by William F. (``Buffalo Bill'')
Cody, and which served as an audition and planning venue for
many of his Wild West shows. Numerous other notables have
stayed at the Inn, including Herbert Hoover, Ernest Hemingway,
Will Rogers, and Bob Hope. The 1892 inn, a National Historic
Landmark, received a 2006 SAT grant of $400,000 from the
National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund to correct
structural deterioration.
In 2007, the Old Mississippi State Capitol, Mississippi
Department of Archives and History, in Jackson, Mississippi,
received a 2007 SAT's grant of $525,000 to restore the roof and
repair water damage, both results of hurricanes Katrina and
Rita. The Old Capitol is a masterpiece of 19th-century Greek
Revival architecture and is the oldest building in Jackson.
Finally, Schooner Ernestina, in New Bedford, Massachusetts,
received a SAT's grant of $500,000 to rehabilitate the ship and
return her to sailing condition. The vessel will operate as a
sailing school and passenger ship. This National Historic
Landmark ship is the oldest surviving Grand Banks fishing
schooner and one of only two surviving 19th century Gloucester-
built fishing schooners.
Together, these programs generate community partnerships,
economic and educational opportunities, and the promotion of
historical and cultural tourism. Both Preserve America and Save
America's Treasures promote better coordination and, therefore,
greater efficiencies in meeting existing preservation needs.
They also expand future opportunities by allowing local
stakeholders to determine which strategies best meet their
goals.
S. 2262 would authorize both the Preserve America and the
Save America's Treasures programs, making them permanent
resources for citizens and civic organizations engaged in
historic preservation activities. Since their creation, both
programs have been sustained through the annual appropriations
process. However, without permanent authorization, they lack
the foundation for sustained success. Without the ``stamp of
legitimacy'' achieved by the Congressional legislative process,
both programs, despite their records of success, remain
vulnerable to termination. The legislation would
institutionalize the Preserve America and Save America
Treasures programs and cement them as permanent tools for
protecting our Nation's cultural resources.
The results are clear. Both programs have demonstrated
significant on-the-ground success in fostering preservation
partnerships, leveraging private dollars with public funds, and
sustaining efficient resource management strategies and sound
business practices in the preservation of our heritage assets.
These grants and designations give citizens in communities
across the country good reason to say ``Welcome to my town!''
They provide communities greater opportunity to realize
economic development through historic preservation and the
celebration of the rich heritage and unique stories of the
American experience.
Thank you again for the opportunity to testify on these
programs and this legislation. I would be happy to answer any
questions.
changes in existing law
In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee notes that no
changes in existing law are made by the bill, S. 2262, as
ordered reported.