Support HB 221 Historic Preservation Incentive Program for Pennsylvania

The Historic Preservation Incentive Program (HB 221) is a piece of legislation that needs to be incorporated into the coming year's budget in order to preserve historic structures across Pennsylvania. We need your help to pass it!

If passed, it will encourage people who are buying, selling, or dealing with historic homes, homes in historic neighborhoods, or commercial properties in downtown areas to be sensitive to the history of a structure when rehabilitating it for reuse.

This legislation is designed to give incentives to homeowners and developers throughout Pennsylvania through making more grants and tax credits available for the rehab of historic structures. This way, we can preserve the history of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania while still encouraging economic development and reinvestment in our cities and towns.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to urge you to please support HB 221 (Historic Preservation Incentive Program) which is currently being reviewed by the Senate Appropriations Committee. This bill would provide much-needed incentives to historic property owners in Pennsylvania and, in turn, leverage private investment to help revitalize communities all over the Commonwealth.

Twenty-nine other states in the nation have passed similar measures by offering true economic value through private investment in reusing historic properties. Pennsylvania's heritage is inherently linked to its historic buildings and places that help tell our stories and define our distinctive identity and sense of community character. The Historic Preservation Incentive Program would encourage private homeowners and business owners to make investments to their historic properties.

As seen in other states with similar programs in place, a modest investment through this program could result in as much as a four to one dividend for the Commonwealth. For many years now, Rep. Tom Tangretti has worked tirelessly to pass this bill. Now is the time to honor his work and important legacy and support HB 221.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
June 26, 2008