| (Washington, DC) - House Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman Congressman James E. Clyburn’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Historic Preservation bill, co-sponsored by Senators Joseph Lieberman and Zell Miller, has received final U.S. House and Senate approval as part of the Omnibus Appropriations bill securing a brighter future for 712 endangered structures on HBCU campuses nationwide.
“As a graduate of an historically black college, I am proud to say this is a great day for our nation’s HBCUs,” Congressman Clyburn said. “These endangered structures embody the rich history of these campuses and their impact on generations of African Americans, and both Houses of Congress have now affirmed the importance of preserving them for future generations.”
The legislation amends the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 to extend a program at the National Park Service to help pay for the restoration of 712 historic structures on HBCU campuses identified by the General Accounting Office (GAO). The passage of this bill is the culmination of five years of work.
Congressman Clyburn coordinated a GAO study to determine the projected cost of preserving all threatened historic sites at the nation’s 103 HBCUs. The yearlong study was completed in 1997 and identified 712 historic sites with a projected preservation cost of $755 million.
This bill authorizes $10 million a year for five years, and sets the federal limit at 70% of the restoration cost. The colleges and universities will be required to raise a 30% match.
# # # |
U.S. Congressman 
