§311102 Establishment

Summary

The Department of the Interior runs the Preserve America Program and, working with the Council, can give competitive grants to States, local governments (including those applying to be Preserve America Communities), Indian tribes, designated Preserve America Communities, and State and tribal historic preservation offices. The money supports preservation work through heritage tourism, education, and planning. Eligible projects include research and surveys of local history, education and interpretation, planning (not building repairs) that boosts heritage tourism, training for preservation skills, projects that help tourism in designated communities, and other nonconstruction projects that identify, promote, or teach about historic places. Only one grant is allowed per selected project. The Secretary may favor projects that also meet the Save America’s Treasures goals. Before choosing projects, the Secretary must consult the Council, and at least 30 days before awarding grants must send a list of proposed grant projects to four Congressional committees: the Senate Committees on Energy and Natural Resources and on Appropriations, and the House Committees on Natural Resources and on Appropriations. Grant recipients must provide at least 50 percent of the project cost from non-Federal sources. That match can be cash or donated supplies and services, with value set by the Secretary. The Secretary must confirm that each applicant can get the required non-Federal share and has a realistic plan to do so before giving a grant.