First Lady Laura Bush Designates Tarpon Springs as a Preserve America Community

The City of Tarpon Springs was recently honored when First Lady Laura Bush, Honorary Chair of the Preserve America initiative, designated it as one of the nation's newest Preserve America Communities.

Preserve America is an Administration initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the initiative include a greater shared knowledge about the nation's past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets, and support for the economic vitality of our communities.

In 2006, Preserve America Grants totaling nearly $5 million were awarded to 68 projects around the country. In 2007, $2.6 million was awarded to 43 projects in July, and the remainder is expected to be awarded by September 30.

President Bush's fiscal year 2008 budget requests $10 million in grant funds for which designated Preserve America Communities may apply.

Grants of $20,000 to $150,000 are awarded on a competitive, matching fund basis to help communities develop sustainable management strategies and sound business practices for the continued preservation and use of their heritage assets. The grants support research, planning, marketing, interpretation, and training efforts.