Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

Federal Funding Emergency

Funding Update from the Executive Director

(7.3.25) It has been a busy month for our office, and you've heard from us more than usual as we joined State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices across the country in speaking up about a looming funding crisis.

Before the July 4 holiday, I want to update you on the 2025 Federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) apportionment for the Rhode Island SHPO. On July 1, the Federal Office of Management and Budget alerted that the Notice of Funding Opportunity has been released. This opens the path for us to apply for the funding, which we will do in the coming days.

While we are taking a moment to celebrate this positive development, we should not forget that the 2026 HPF has been targeted for virtual elimination. Funding for State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices is zeroed out in the so-called “Skinny Budget” that was presented by the Office of Management and Budget on behalf of the President. Congress is expected to begin working on 2026 appropriations later this month. I will keep you updated as the budget begins to take shape.

So today, I thank you for supporting the effort to have the 2025 HPF released. While our representatives in Congress are proven supporters of historic preservation, it is always beneficial for them to hear directly how important preservation is to the people of Rhode Island. Your efforts really do make a difference.

Federal Funding Crisis Threatens State Preservation Offices

(6.4.25) Historic preservation is currently under unprecedented threat and needs your vocal support. If federal money from the Historic Preservation Fund is not released by July 1, 2025, our office will enter the state fiscal year significantly underfunded.  

What is the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), and how does it impact Rhode Island? 

  • The HPF, which is funded through offshore oil and gas lease fees (not tax dollars), provides essential operational funding to State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices.
  • This year, our office expects to receive approximately $700,000 from the HPF, which makes up about 20% of our budget – but the federal government has not released the FY25 funds, and there are legitimate concerns it never will.
  • We distribute 10% of our HPF funding to local communities for important preservation planning activities. The remaining 90% funds staff positions that administer tax credit, grants, project review, National Register, and archaeology programs.  

How You Can Help 

  • If you can spare a few minutes to contact your United States Senators and Representatives, we'd be grateful.
  • Ask them to urge the Office of Management and Budget to immediately release the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the 2025 Historic Preservation Fund, allowing us – and other State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices – to access this essential source of funding.
  • Express your support for future HPF funding. The proposed 2026 budget currently being debated in Congress nearly eliminates the HPF.
  • Thank them for their support of preservation in Rhode Island! 

The HPF represents the federal government's commitment to state and local history. Significant aspects of our work, and the work of every state preservation office across the country, will not be possible unless the congressionally appropriated funds are released soon.

We rely on your voice to advocate for public investment in historic preservation at the state level and in every community across Rhode Island. Thank you for speaking up for Rhode Island today and always.

Contact Congress Now

Preservation is Big Business

And it's central to Rhode Island's economy

Overall, historic preservation contributes roughly $1.5 billion to Rhode Island’s economy annually.

Rhode Island’s history, heritage tourism, and restoration industries sustain ~31,000 jobs within the state.

$16.5 million in federal funding has flowed through RIHPHC to communities across the state over the last 10 years.

For every $1 invested in a preservation project, $11 of state economic activity is generated.

Nearly 11 million “history tourists” come to Rhode Island each year, representing 1/3 of visitors to the state.

Sources & Data

Historic Preservation: An Overlooked Economic Driver, a Study of the Impacts of Historic Preservation in Rhode Island, Preservation Society of Newport County and Preserve RI (2018)

Industry Profile 2024 Booklet, Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training

Labor Study, The Campaign for Historic Trades (2022)

Older, Smaller, Better: Measuring How the Character of Buildings and Blocks Influences Urban Vitality, National Trust for Historic Preservation (2014)