§308903 Grants

Summary

At least 50 percent of the grant money must go to projects that protect museum collections and historic places. The Secretary runs a competitive grant program and will set the rules for picking winners. Eligible groups must send an application with the information the Secretary asks for. A collection or historic place can get a grant only if it is nationally important and is threatened or in danger. The Secretary will check a collection’s national importance with certain expert organizations. A historic place must be on the National Register at the national level or be a National Historic Landmark when the application is filed. Grants will be given only to projects that will stop or greatly reduce the threat, have a clear public benefit, and can finish on time and on budget. The Secretary may favor projects that also meet Preserve America goals and will give only one grant per project. Before choosing projects, the Secretary will consult with the expert organizations unless one of those groups applied for a grant. At least 30 days before awarding grants for a year, the Secretary must send a list of selected projects to the Senate and House committees on energy/natural resources and appropriations. Projects must cover at least 50 percent of their total cost from non-Federal sources, in cash or donated goods/services, and the Secretary must verify the applicant can provide that share before a grant is made.