Ask Your Legislator to Support the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act

From Gettysburg and Antietam to Bentonville and Yorktown, the American Battlefield Protection Program has aided the preservation of more than 35,000 acres of hallowed ground across 21 states. Managed by the National Park Service, the program administers grants to preserve, restore and interpret America’s hallowed grounds related to the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War.  

The American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act (H.R.3448) would make key modifications to the existing program, helping to strengthen it to ensure its continued success for years to come. 

The legislation would allow non-profits and tribes to apply directly for these grants, saving valuable time and ensuring key land acquisitions can move quickly and efficiently.  Additionally, the legislation would widen the scope of ABPP’s restoration grants to all NPS identified battlegrounds and ensure land acquisitions grants can be used to preserve our most significant battlefields from our nation’s founding conflicts. Finally, it would create a mechanism for the National Park Service to update the Congressionally authorized reports identifying the key Revolutionary War, War of 182 and Civil War battlefields when there is new research, archaeology or study that shows a larger battlefield than originally known. 

Now more than ever, as we see development threats rise against the backdrop of our nation’s hallowed ground, the strengthening of the program is key to continue the preservation of the nation’s heritage, especially as we gear up for our nation’s 250th commemoration. 

Please join us and send your representative a message to support the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act (H.R.3448).