By Brian Gould, USCM Public Affairs Intern
March 17, 2003

First Lady Laura Bush announced a new White House initiative on historic preservation on March 3 at the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference in Washington. The initiative was developed in cooperation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the U.S. Departments of Interior and Commerce. The new initiative, Preserve America, will increase support for protection and restoration of the nation's cultural and natural resources while allowing these areas to remain open for recreational and educational purposes. Mrs. Bush told the audience that this initiative will, "Épromote historic and cultural preservation and encourage greater public appreciation of our national treasures."

"Through the Cooperative Conservation Initiative, the Department of Interior will support local partnerships that conserve open spaces. The Cooperative Conservation Initiative expands the President's commitment to conservation through partnership, civic involvement, and economic incentives," Mrs. Bush said. She added that Preserve America will rely heavily on citizen involvement and the ability to learn about, preserve, and enjoy the natural and cultural assets throughout America.

"Every American deserves to discover and learn about our nation's heritage. But imagine if our children could never see the Liberty Bell or the small town where their grandparents grew up. Imagine if they could not step foot upon the same land English settlers did when they first landed in America," she added. The administration's goals for the initiative are to provide those areas identified as needing assistance with a greater probability for preservation and as a result increase tourism and economic development.

"Our history is rooted in buildings, parks, and towns. When we are able to walk the same trails Lewis and Clark once did, history comes to life," she told NACo delegates.

Gale A. Norton, Secretary of the Interior praised Laura Bush and the administration for fabricating a new initiative to preserve America's heritage. "I am delighted to be a part of this very important preservation initiative," Norton said. "Without this initiative, artifacts and historic sites that define us as a nation may be lost forever," she added.

In announcing the new initiative, Mrs. Bush said that the initiative will feature two new awards. The Presidential Award for Preserve America will reward creative partnerships that achieve public benefits through preservation. Communities that combine preservation and tourism may also apply to be designated as Preserve America Communities. "These awards will showcase model projects and encourage community leaders like you to share your experience with others."