Governor Sununu Vetoes LCHIP bill SB74 after it Passed Senate and House
The Preservation Alliance is disappointed that a legislative proposal led by Senator Martha Fuller Clark to increase funding for the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program will not be enacted. After passage by the Senate and House, it was vetoed by Governor Chris Sununu in July. The proposal added $10 to certain deed recording fees, and was projected to add about $1.5 million a year to a level that has been at about $3.5-4 million/year. As you may know first-hand, demand far exceeds available funds, and historic preservation activity supports jobs, enhances tax base and serves as a catalyst for additional community development activity.
The Preservation Alliance is very appreciative of strong support for proposal from Senators representing communities across the state as well as members of the House Committee on Resources, Recreation and Development and Ways and Means. Representatives from local projects in need as well as statewide organizations like the Preservation Alliance, the Society for the Protection of N.H. Forests and The Nature Conservancy were in strong support of the bill.
The Preservation Alliance has worked with legislators and conservation partners to develop and build the impact of LCHIP over time on the state’s natural and historic resources. Click here to see all past LCHIP projects listed by Town.
Since 2000, LCHIP matching grants have preserved or revitalized 223 historic structures and protected over 283,000 acres of important natural resources. For every $1 of grant funds invested in a project, the community raises almost $6 from other sources to match it. That far exceeds the 50% required level of match.
Between 2001 and 2017 $46.9 million of state money through LCHIP has led to a total investment in projects of over $316 million. Bringing all that new money into communities strengthens the local economy.
Over the last 10 years, 177 out of the 505 total applications received were not funded. That figure indicates the demand and need for LCHIP continues, even 18 years after the Legislature established the program.
The Land and Community Heritage Commission that recommended the creation of LCHIP in 1999 determined a funding level of $12 million per year was needed to have a meaningful program. This amount has never been available. Demand for funding continues to exceed the amount available.
Here are some ways you can help going forward:
Talk to your representative about the benefits of LCHIP. Offer examples in your community.
Let us know if you have questions! Email projects@nhpreservation.org.
Many more community landmarks are in need of seed monies from LCHIP that will be a catalyst for additional fundraising and community development benefits. The tiny town of Acworth leveraged LCHIP grants to achieve a national award-winning rehab while supporting many local tradespeople.