The budget includes a 9% increase in the commission's General Government Operations appropriation. Included in this amount is $725,000 for an initiative entitled Administrative Support for Historic Sites which will provide the administrative support necessary to open the Erie Maritime Museum, and for the expansion of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and the Somerset Historical Center.
Additionally, the appropriation contains approximately $276,000 to continue funding the mandates of Act 70 of 1995 regarding archaeological investigations. Act 70 shifted the responsibility for the cost of archaeological surveys from developers to the Commission. If the Commission cannot complete its work on time -- between 30 and 210 days depending on weather and significance of the site -- the developer can proceed. It is estimated that the real cost to the commission could be close to $1.5 million.
The Maintenance Program is included in the budget at $1.0 million, however funding from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund for historic site development is expected to decrease from $10.6 million to $4.6 million in 1997-98. Funding is available to Pennsylvania non-profit organizations and public agencies that operate a publicly accessible historic property listed in, or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, or that operates a contributing historic property in a National Register historic district. Grants are awarded on a 50-50 matching basis and support projects in the areas of redevelopment, preservation and rehabilitation and restoration.
The budget includes $5.4 million for the Museum Assistance Grant Program. The Museum Assistance and Local History Grant Program is a competitive financial assistance process available to all qualified history related institutions within Pennsylvania. Organizations may apply to the Commission for projects ranging from the research of a historic event to a comprehensive exhibit plan having significant statewide impact.
The budget includes level funding for the individual Non-Preferred Museums that receive funding. It should be noted that the Philadelphia Civic Center Museum is closed, therefore it will receive no state funding. There is also $1.0 million provided for the Regional History Centers.
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