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Lawmakers Introduce Rehabilitation of Historic Schools Act
Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA) recently reintroduced his Rehabilitation of Historic Schools Act (H.R. 8501) in the House. This bill would allow for the HTC to be used on public school buildings. Current law makes it difficult for school districts to use the HTC because it requires the renovated building to serve a different purpose than before. This bill would waive that requirement, making it easier for school districts with historic but aging school buildings to finance those renovations and continue to serve as schools.
This bill, based on a successful state-level program in Virginia, would increase federal investments and leverage private investment for public school infrastructure. In Virginia, for example, an estimated 50% of school buildings are at least 50 years old and many are in desperate need of renovations.
The changes proposed in the bill have been championed for several years and is identical to legislation introduced by Rep. Evans in the 118th Congress. Companion legislation in the Senate is expected soon.
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