Ehrlich on Washington column, April 7, 2002

NEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Rood, Suit* 304 Lurtvervill*, Morylond 2 1 093 Э 1 5 Cannon Hoot* Offic* Building Washington, D.C 20515 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON Week of April 7, 2002 By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Preserving Maryland’s History and Treasures As a lifelong Marylander, I am proud of the many historic and natural treasures our great state has to offer. With a rich history and heritage ranging from nationally-known sites, such as Fort McHenry, to locally-known structures, such as the Hampton Mansion in Baltimore County, Maryland is a special place to live and raise a family. In an effort to help states like Maryland preserve its important historic sites, Congress enacted the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) to establish a set of incentives and programs that foster local decision making and re-direct private investment to existing resources. In essence, the HPF works in partnership with state, tribal, and local governments to preserve America’s past for future generations; thereby ensuring our historic places are recognized, protected, and honored. The HPF consists of five important categories: the State Historic Preservation Offices, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities program, Save America’s Treasures, Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, and the National Trust’s Historic Sites Fund. Last year, Congress appropriated $74.5 million for the HPF, a $20 million reduction from the previous year. In the current fiscal year, additional reductions in the HPF are being recommended. As a strong supporter our historic lands and treasures, I have joined with Democrat Congressman Dale Kildee of Michigan to ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to fully fund the HPF at $85.5 million. While I recognize the events of September 1 1 and the economic recession have constrained funding for many worthy programs, I believe the HPF provides much-needed assistance to states to preserve and protect our nation’s history — something that no one can put a price tag on.