HISTORICAL AND MUSEUM COMMISSION

    The budget includes $381,000 in state funds and $200,000 from the Historical Preservation Fund for the development of Local Area Networks, a geographic information system and on-line library to improve the administration and management of historical information.

    The budget also includes $460,000 for Security Upgrades at Historic Sites. These funds will provide for upgrades for fire and security systems at 15 state historic sites.

    The Maintenance Program receives $1.0 million. In addition, funds from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund for historic site development are expected to decrease by over $4.3 million in 1998-99. 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 $4.0 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 a 10% increase in funding for the individual Non-Preferred Museums. The Governor had recommended no increase.