Executive Order for the Preserve America Program

On March 3, George W. Bush signed an Executive Order for the Preserve

America program. The EO (which has not yet received a number) states that it is
the "policy of the Federal Government to provide leadership in preserving
America's heritage by actively advancing the protection, enhancement, and
contemporary use of the historic properties owned by the Federal Government, and
by promoting intergovernmental cooperation and partnerships for the preservation
and use of historic properties. The Federal Government shall recognize and manage
the historic properties in its ownership as assets that can support department and
agency missions while contributing to the vitality and economic well-being of the
Nation's communities and fostering a broader appreciation for the development of
the United States and its underlying values. Where consistent with executive
branch department and agency missions, governing law, applicable preservation
standards, and where appropriate, executive branch departments and agencies
("agency" or" agencies") shall advance this policy through the protection and
continued use of the historic properties owned by the Federal Government, and by
pursuing partnerships with State and local governments, Indian tribes, and the
private sector to promote the preservation of the unique cultural heritage of
communities and of the Nation and to realize the economic benefit that these
properties can provide. Agencies shall maximize efforts to integrate the policies,
procedures, and practices of the NHPA and this order into their program activities
in order to efficiently and effectively advance historic preservation objectives
in the pursuit of their missions."

To achieve these goals, the EO instructs federal agencies to 1) build preservation
partnerships with State and local governments, Indian tribes, and the private
sector to promote local economic development and vitality through the use of
historic properties in a manner that contributes to the long-term preservation and
productive use of those properties; 2) improve Federal Agency planning and
accountability with regard to inventories of historic properties on federal land;
3) improve Federal stewardship of historic properties; and 4) promote preservation
through heritage tourism.

You can read the full text of the EO at the White House web site:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030304-9.html

The Preserve America Program has been supported strongly by Laura Bush and her
remarks concerning the program are available at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030303-2.html