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Historic Preservation Fund Apportionment Update

Revisions to the State Historic Preservation Office Annual Apportionment Formula 

The Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) was established in 1977 to support the work of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 USC 300101 et seq.). Each year, through 2023, $150 million is deposited into the fund from offshore oil and gas lease revenues. Originally the funding was intended for just states but later grew to include local governments (1980s), tribal nations (1990s), and competitive grant programs. Funds for these programs are appropriated annually by Congress.

Funds to states are awarded according to an apportionment formula that provides funding based on need as determined by the Secretary of the Interior. In July 2022, the National Park Service published revisions to the apportionment formula following a comprehensive review of the formula that had been in place since 2002. Revisions to the formula were based on recommendations developed by the National Park Service Cultural Resources, Partnerships, and Science Directorate (CRPS) following an extensive research and stakeholder engagement process between 2020 and 2022. The NPS Director approved the revisions in July 2022 in accordance with the Department of the Interior Departmental Manual Part 245, Chapter 1.1.C(15) which authorizes the director to "administer the Historic Preservation Fund program" on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior.

Implementation of Apportionment Formula Revisions in Fiscal Year 2023

The revised state apportionment formula will be implemented in fiscal year 2023 as directed by Congress in the Explanatory Statement for the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (PL 117-328) (PDF). This formula will be used until a new census or future revisions to the formula are made. Revisions reflect an increase in the base award for all states and the use of the current census data for tiers 2 and 3. The apportionment formula is composed of the following components:

  • Tier 1 Base Award of equal division; all SHPOs will receive a base amount of $400,000, with a percentage set aside for the Freely Associated States;
  • Tier 2 Census Award will be based on 2020 US Census data factors for acreage, population, and number of residential structures over 50 years old;
  • Tier 3 Statute Award (54 USC 302902(c)(4)) will allocate appropriations above $65 million by applying Tier 2 US Census calculations and, by statute, requiring each state to award 50% of that calculated amount to its Certified Local Government partners.
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On October 27, 2022, NPS presented an update to State Historic Preservation Offices regarding updates to the apportionment formula. Slides from the presentation are linked below for reference. Please note that these slides will not reflect the fact that NPS was directed by Congress to implement the formula in fiscal year 2023, not 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the State Apportionment Formula

Changes to the State Apportionment Formula

About the Historic Preservation Fund

Historic Preservation Fund Supports

  • Oblique view of a two-story house on a sunny day
    Formula Grants to States

    The Historic Preservation Fund invests in states and territories, the District of Columbia, and the Freely Associated States.

  • Scaffolding in a brightly lit church sanctuary
    Grants in Local Communities

    While states must give funding from formula grants to local communities, HPF also supports grants local governments can directly apply for.

  • Photograph of brick three-story house. Blue, sunny sky in background.
    About the Historic Preservation Fund

    Additional information about the Historic Preservation Fund, including annual accomplishments and statistical reports

Last updated: July 24, 2024