Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009

March 30, 2009

The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 permanently authorized the Preserve America Program.

Preserve America, 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.

Read the section of the bill concerning Preserve America.