News Release
Photo Credit: North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
News Release Date: November 25, 2019
Contact: NewsMedia@nps.gov
Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov
(Press release originally distributed by the Department of the Interior Press Office)WASHINGTON - The Department of the Interior’s National Park Service today announced $47.8 million in emergency supplemental assistance grants for the recovery and repair of historic resources in areas impacted in 2018 by Hurricanes Florence and Michael, as well as Typhoon Yutu. 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 Secretary of the Interior 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.”
“I thank Secretary Bernhardt for disbursing these congressionally authorized grants for the recovery and repair of historic resources damaged in 2018. With the federal government’s partnership, Northwest Florida has made strides in their recovery from Hurricane Michael’s devastation, and I am grateful that President Trump and this administration continue to demonstrate support for a strong recovery,” said Senator Marco Rubio (FL).
“I applaud today’s announcement that the Virginia Department of Historic Resources will receive $4,766,723 in federal funds from the Department of Interior towards rehabilitating sites in the Commonwealth affected by Hurricanes Michael and Florence,” said Senator Mark R. Warner (VA). “This funding will help preserve our Commonwealth’s history and better prepare our treasures in the event of future natural disasters.”
“As North Carolina’s sole appropriator, I am pleased that the National Park Service has committed nearly $50 million to rebuild historic resources in communities affected by recent storms. Historic sites serve as anchors in communities across North Carolina--providing a glimpse into our collective cultural history. These funds will be vital in ensuring the resiliency of important historic sites as we prepare for future natural disasters,” said Congressman David Price (NC-04).
“Last fall, areas in my Virginia district and throughout the Southeast were devastated by Hurricanes Florence and Michael. I have committed time and money to help communities in Virginia’s 5th district recover and I applaud these grants. They will have enormous impact in areas of much need. Thank you to the Interior Department for this aid,” Congressman Denver Riggleman (VA-05).
“This is great news for South Carolina. This grant is a great example of the investments our federal government makes to support South Carolina and all areas affected by natural disasters. This project will help restore our historical landmarks that were damaged by Hurricane Florence,” said Congressman Tom Rice (SC-07).
“Historic sites and structures across North Carolina have been damaged by recent hurricanes and many are still in need of significant repair and restoration. I’m pleased the Department is moving forward with the disbursement of appropriations by Congress for this very purpose,” said Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07).
As national emergencies arise, Congress may appropriate funding from the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) 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 (NHPA).
For more information about the HPF disaster program, please visit http://go.nps.gov/disaster.
Programs/states receiving assistance grants:
| State Hurricane(s)/Typhoon |
Grantee | Award |
| Alabama Hurricane Michael |
Alabama Historical Commission | $1,607,508 |
| Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Typhoon Yutu |
Department of Community & Cultural Affairs, HPO | $6,000,000 |
| Florida Hurricane Michael |
State of Florida | $10,200,000 |
| Georgia Hurricane Michael |
Georgia Department of Natural Resources | $7,000,000 |
| North Carolina Hurricanes Florence and Michael |
North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office | $17,070,769 |
| South Carolina Hurricane Florence |
South Carolina Department of Archives and History | $1,155,000 |
| Virginia Hurricanes Florence and Michael |
Virginia Department of Historic Resources | $4,766,723 |
| Total | $47,800,000 |
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Last updated: November 25, 2019