LCHIP remained approximately three-quarters whole in the biennial state budget process that the state House and Senate voted for on June 24.

LCHIP was created by the legislature in 2000 to be long-term investment in our state's natural and historic resources. After eight years of on again-off again funding through the state budget process, the legislature concluded that LCHIP needed to be funded in a different way if it was to fulfill its mission. A dedicated user fee was put in place in the 2007 session, and re-affirmed in the 2008 session. The dedicated funding source is estimated to generate approximately $6 million annually for land conservation and historic preservation grants although revenue estimates are currently lower in parallel with economic activity. Advocacy for LCHIP's creation and adequate funding has been a primary policy priority for the NH Preservation Alliance for the last decade.

"N.H. citizens, businesses and government are all feeling the effects of the economic recession. And investing in our irreplaceable landmark buildings, historic villages and downtowns, our streams and rivers, our wildlife or our working forests are all key to our new economic future," said Jennifer Goodman, executive director of the Preservation Alliance. Analysis shows that every dollar of LCHIP funds leverages 5 dollars of funds including foundation grants, federal dollars and private donations. Labor-intensive historic preservation activity creates good jobs and keeps money circulating locally.

For more on past LCHIP investments, or to submit a project to the LCHIP register for future communication and consideration, go to www.lchip.org.