The Federal Historic Preservation Fund Remains at Risk

Through the passage of the recent Federal budget, funding that was withheld over the past six months from North Carolina’s State Preservation Office is now in the process of being released. That action should take place within the next 6-12 months.

• However, as we look to the future, the federal Historic Preservation Fund is again eliminated for the FY26 budget. Ahead of that process, preservationists need not be modest about the contributions North Carolina’s State Historic Preservation Office makes to our state’s economy. Make sure your federal delegation recognizes the value of our federal-state funded partnership, including:
• The impact the National Register has in recognizing the places in North Carolina that are important in telling the story of our nation’s history.
• Staffing the Historic Tax Credits that leverage millions of dollars back into the tax base of our local communities.
• Historic Tax Credit projects include construction projects that employ local workers, such as brick masons, architects, carpenters, engineers, roofers, and other highly skilled tradespeople.

These tools are used across North Carolina to reinvest in Main Street communities, vacant industrial mills, and decommissioned historic schools, many of which would likely be destroyed without credits. 

Please take a moment to let your elected officials know how the Preservation Fund is an investment in our country. Don’t let our representatives forget the importance of celebrating and investing in our history.