A broad coalition of preservation organizations, businesses, agencies, and community partners has signed a national letter urging Congress to pass the Historic Preservation Fund Reauthorization Act. Submitted to the House Committee on Natural Resources on November 5, the letter calls for renewing and strengthening federal investment in the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF).

More than 300 signatories representing 46 states and the District of Columbia—including national and local preservation groups, State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, and other community-based partners—demonstrate widespread, nationwide support for stable long-term preservation funding.

For nearly 50 years, the HPF has been the primary federal source supporting State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, competitive grant programs, and local preservation and revitalization efforts. With its authorization having expired in 2024, swift congressional action is critical to ensure communities can continue this work.

The letter highlights strong bipartisan support for the Historic Preservation Fund Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3418), introduced by Representatives Mike Turner (R-OH) and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM). The bill would reauthorize the HPF for 10 years and increase its annual authorized deposit from $150 million to $250 million to better meet current preservation needs.

Organizations that missed the initial deadline can still add their names as signatures continue to be collected. The National Trust will remain fully engaged and continue advocating for full reauthorization as Congress considers this essential legislation. You can access the full letter here.