WASHINGTON — Interior Deputy Secretary Lynn Scarlett, along with Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Chairman John L. Nau III, announced Preserve America grants in 25 states totaling $2.9 million. The application period for round two of 2008 is now open with a deadline of June 30 to apply for grants of $4.3 million. Preserve America will award those grants in September.

Scarlett made the April 7 announcement on behalf of first lady Laura Bush, the honorary chair of Preserve America. Preserve America is a White House initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our nation’s heritage. Scarlett and Nau co-chair the Preserve America initiative.

"Preserve America ensures that historic properties, artifacts, and communities throughout the nation are preserved to be enjoyed by future generations," Bush said. "These grants promote cultural and natural preservation, and encourage greater appreciation of our national heritage."

Scarlett and Nau also announced that Preserve America was increasing the maximum size of each grant from $150,000 to $250,000. In 2006 and 2007, Preserve America awarded $9.8 million to 140 projects. In FY 2008, it made a total of $7.2 million available. The most recent grants totaling $2.9 million leave a balance of $4.3 million for a second round of grants, which Preserve America will award in September.

The Department of the Interior’s National Park Service administers the Preserve America grant program, which began in 2006, in partnership with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Through competitive matching grants, Preserve America supports community efforts involving heritage tourism, education and historic-preservation planning. Designated Preserve America communities, State Historic Preservation Offices and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices are eligible to apply for Preserve America grants.

“These Preserve America grants help weave cultural and natural heritage into the economic, educational, and social fabric of communities by promoting heritage tourism,” Scarlett said.

“Preserve America grants help communities learn about their history and share it with visitors. These grants make the story of America come alive and create a better understanding of our diverse and rich cultures,” Nau said.

More information on Preserve America, including a complete list of grant recipients, criteria and application forms for various initiative programs, is available at www.PreserveAmerica.gov.