Neguse, DeGette, Perlmutter and Crow Call For COVID-19 Relief Funding for Local Museums and Historic Preservation

Washington D.C.— Congressman Joe Neguse has sent a letter along with Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Congressman Ed Perlmutter and Congressman Jason Crow, calling on the House Committee on Appropriations to include $515 million in future Coronavirus relief funding for State Historic Preservation Officers (“SHPOs”), Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (“THPOs”), and small museums.

In a letter addressed to House Committee on Appropriations Chairwoman Nita Lowey and Ranking Member Kay Granger, Congressman Neguse and others noted the integral role of SHPOs, THPOs, and small museums in historic preservation projects across the state and nation, including their impacts on America’s economic well-being and the national efforts to recover from the financial ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter notes that “historic preservation projects provide multiple layers of economic stimulus, creating near term jobs and spending for important projects while also creating long-term economic benefits as a result of heritage tourism.” These organizations are also charged with responsible development responsibilities, with the vast majority of projects to revitalize and restore infrastructure not being permitted without their work.

Research conducted by Oxford Economics and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation found that museums support 726,000 jobs in the United States and contribute approximately $50 billion to the economy each year. The letter details the plans for the allocation of the $515 million in relief funding for SHPOs, THPOs, and small museums which will support their important undertakings.

Read the full letter here.

“History Colorado’s preservation programs and community museums are a hallmark of Colorado,” said Cathey M. Finlon, Chair of the History Colorado Board of Directors. “Because of COVID-19, our funding sources have been cut nearly in half. This relief package allows us to get back into the business of running our community museums across the state and collaborating with communities to fund their preservation programs which, in turn, have a direct economic impact in these communities. We support this relief funding package wholeheartedly for its foresight and direct impact.”

“We greatly appreciate Congressman Neguse taking the lead in advocating for the inclusion of historic preservation provisions in an economic stimulus bill,” said Erik Hein, Executive Director of National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, “Historic preservation plays an important role in strengthening the economies of both small communities and big cities throughout America. We are particularly grateful that he included funding for Certified Local Governments, and for the survey and digitization of records in his proposal. State Historic Preservation Offices and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices are the backbone of historic preservation in America and we are fortunate that there are lawmakers, like Joe Neguse, who are committed to making sure we can continue to help protect our historic places.”