Historic Preservation Enhancement Act

This bill increases the annual deposit into the Historic Preservation Fund from $150 million to $300 million, starting in fiscal year 2026, and changes how those funds are used and allocated. It also authorizes specific grant programs from the Fund.

Sec. 2, Amendments to Historic Preservation Fund provisions: The bill raises the annual deposit into the Historic Preservation Fund to $300 million for each fiscal year, starting in fiscal year 2026. If Outer Continental Shelf revenues are insufficient to cover this amount, the shortfall will be taken from the general Treasury. Starting in fiscal year 2027, these funds are made available without further appropriation or fiscal year limitation. Of the available funds, at least 40% must go to State Historic Preservation Offices and at least 20% to Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, with the tribal share adjusted for any increase in the number of tribal offices. The President must submit proposed allocations to Congress and an annual report on final allocations. If Congress does not set alternate allocations, the President allocates the funds.

Sec. 3, Authorization of Historic Preservation Fund programs: Subject to available appropriations, the bill authorizes funds from the Historic Preservation Fund for the following programs: African American Civil Rights Movement Initiative & Grants, History of Equal Rights Grants, Survey Grants for Underrepresented Communities, and Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants.