By DHR Staff

On December 20, 2023, Governor Glenn Youngkin unveiled his “Unleashing Opportunities” budget proposal for the 2024-2026 biennium. We are incredibly grateful and appreciative of the Governor’s support for DHR’s programs and initiatives.

Proposed initiatives in the budget include:

• $35.0 M to create a capital grant program to support improvements at significant historic sites in Virginia in anticipation of the country’s Semiquincentennial.
• Additional funding to support the Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund.
• $1.0 M in additional funding for the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Preservation Fund which supports the acquisition, protection, and rehabilitation of tribal lands and historic and archaeological sites of significance associated with the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
• Funding to support two fiscal positions to address the increased workload associated with grants, procurement, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and human resources, as well as providing strategic planning and direct assistance to the Director.
• Funding to support a position for Deputy Director of Preservation Programs to provide senior subject matter expertise in preservation and consistent leadership and oversight of the state and federal preservation programs administer by the agency.
• Modifying language of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Historic Preservation Fund Appropriation Act to align with the original intent and address a technical issue with the awarding of funds.
• $55.0 M to support the operational activities of the American Revolution 250 Commission. Director Langan is a member of the Commission.

The General Assembly convened on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, with 34 new Delegates and 17 new Senators. You may see Director Langan, Deputy Director Williams and Deputy Director Spota around Capitol Square as they educate legislators and money committee staff about DHR and track pertinent legislation. By the time the General Assembly adjourns sine die, we hope that many of the Governor’s proposed initiatives in the introduced budget are included in the final adopted biennium budget.