This week, the House Appropriations’ Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies approved a fiscal year (FY) 2008 “Chairman’s Mark” that provides significant funding increases for history-related programs at the National Park Service (NPS).

Historic preservation activities at NPS would receive a $30 million increase over FY 2007 funding levels. The Save America’s Treasures program would receive a $12 million increase up to a level of $20 million; an additional $7 million would be appropriated for Heritage Partnership Grants up to $20 million; and the Preserve America program’s budget would be doubled up to $10 million. State Historic Preservation Offices would receive an increase of $7.8 million over last year, up to a level of $45 million. Tribal Historic Preservation Offices would receive a $1 million boost to $6.5 million.

The NPS would see an increase of $199 million for the core operations of the national parks as part of the 10-year Parks Centennial Initiative. The NPS would also receive an additional $50 million of appropriated funds to be matched with private funds as part of the “Centennial Challenge” effort.