Home News Omnibus Public Land Management Act Becomes Law, Authorizes Facets of Preserve America and Save America’s Treasures

President Barack Obama signed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 on March 30, 2009 at the White House. The law includes the text of the Preserve America and Save America’s Treasures Act, formerly H.R. 3981/S.2262 in the previous 110th Congress, which permanently authorizes both programs. 

The Preserve America Program which involves the ACHP in a key coordinating role is defined in the law to include (1) the Preserve America grant program within the Department of the Interior; (2) the recognition programs administered by the ACHP; and (3) the related efforts of federal agencies, working in partnership with state, tribal, and local governments and the private sector, to support and promote the preservation of historic resources. Up to $25 million per year is also authorized to carry out the program (funds must be appropriated each year through the budget process).

In addition to details about the Preserve America grants, the law codifies the designation of Preserve America Communities as one of the entities eligible to apply for grants. It gives the ACHP the responsibility to establish any necessary guidelines for the designation process in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior.  The ACHP is also specifically directed to establish an expedited process for Preserve America Community designation for Certified Local Governments that are established under the National Historic Preservation Act.

The full text of the Preserve America Program section (Sec. 7302) and the Save America’s Treasures Program section (Sec. 7303) as signed into law may be found here.

Click here for the joint press release from the ACHP and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Posted April 1, 2009

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