Contributed by: Preservation Action
Organization: Preservation Action
Dated Posted: May 18, 2026
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This week, Preservation Action submitted testimony to the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee in support of the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) and other preservation priorities, as Congress works to draft the FY27 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. As we commemorate America's 250th anniversary and the 50th anniversaries of the HPF and Historic Tax Credit, Preservation Action is urging the Committee to support $250 million for the Historic Preservation Fund. This includes much-needed increases for State and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (S/THPO), support for important grants competitive programs, and $25 million for states and tribes to digitize records and improve technology to aid in accelerating project delivery.

In our testimony we expressed our deep concerns over drastic staff cuts at the National Park Service, long delays in distributing congressionally appropriated funding, and ongoing uncertainty that is undermining important preservation work across the country. We highlighted the impact caused by the delay in releasing FY25 SHPO and THPO funding last year and the concern we have over the release of FY25 HPF competitive grants. We urged the committee to help facilitate the timely release of critically important HPF funding. We also highlighted the continued need to reauthorize the HPF, which again is set expire in September.

Preservation Action also requested $46 million for Cultural Programs at the National Park Service(NPS) including $3 million for the African American Burial Grounds Preservation Program. Additionally, Preservation Action requested $33.5 million for the Preservation Partnership Program, which supports National Heritage Areas (NHAs), $8.585 million for the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and $213 million for the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities.

Preservation Action also submitted written testimony to the House Appropriations Committee last month. As the appropriations process continues, Preservation Action will continue to advocate for much-needed funding that supports historic preservation. Check out our complete testimony to the Senate Appropriations Committee to learn more!