HPO gets $6M Yutu aid from NPS

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Historic Preservation Office under the Department of Community & Cultural Affairs has been awarded $6 million in grant funding by the Department of the Interior’s National Park Service to repair historic resources in the Commonwealth that were impacted in 2018 by Super Typhoon Yutu.

This is part of $47.8 million in emergency supplemental assistance grants that NPS is releasing nationwide for the recovery and repair of historic resources in areas that were also impacted in 2018 by hurricanes Florence and Michael.

Communities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, the Northern Mariana Islands, South Carolina, and Virginia will receive funding for various historic preservation projects related to hurricane and typhoon recovery efforts.

“The Department of the Interior is committed to assisting impacted communities with recovery efforts as they work to repair and preserve significant historic resources,” said Interior Secretary David Bernhardt. “The grant funding, which is derived from federal oil leases on the Outer Continental Shelf, allows us to safeguard these unique historic places so they may endure for future generations.”

“Preserving historic resources is a critical component in the National Park Service’s mission to share the story of our nation,” said National Park Service deputy director David Vela. “These grants will provide assistance to many communities affected by the intense storms of 2018, so they can repair damaged historic properties and buildings.”

As national emergencies arise, Congress may appropriate funding from the Historic Preservation Fund to provide relief for historic preservation projects in areas impacted by natural disasters. The HPF uses revenue from federal oil leases on the Outer Continental Shelf to provide assistance for a broad range of preservation projects without expending tax dollars.

The grants will support repair and recovery of properties listed in, or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. As specified under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, funding will also support necessary compliance activities and survey of historic resources to determine eligibility and the degree of damage, as well as proper administration of the grants.

The National Park Service will work closely with the states to administer these grants. The funding is authorized by Public Law 116-20 implemented to provide disaster assistance related to damages during Hurricanes Florence and Michael and Typhoon Yutu.

The Historic Preservation Fund was established in 1977 as the primary source of funding to implement the Federal Preservation Partnership program. Annual grants are made to states, Tribes, and local governments under the National Historic Preservation Act. (PR)