The budget proposed by Governor Warner preserves adequate funding for Natural Resources, and in particular the Department of Historic Resources. The activities of Virginia's preservation office make it possible for individuals, businesses and communities, through tax credits and incentives, to rehabilitate the structures that represent a unique aspect of life in Virginia-our rich and diverse cultural heritage. These efforts, in turn, create new jobs, improve tax revenues, stimulate heritage tourism, and add to the quality of life we Virginians treasure.

Successes in historic preservation activities are critical to Virginia's economy. Specifically:

• More than $869 million invested in rehabilitating historic sites produced $48 million more in household income as compared to new construction;
• 26,700 new jobs created; and
• More than 6.5 million visits to statewide historic attractions anchor the Commonwealth's $14 billion tourism industry, which generates $1.8 billion in state and local taxes.

The Department of Historic Resources' budget, like other state agencies, has seen decreases in the last several years. Admirably, the Department has been able to maintain its level of activities and oversight. Further reductions, however, could result in the cutting of valuable programs that protect Virginia's valuable resources and hamper economic development spurred on by rehabilitation of our neighborhoods and downtowns.

Call, visit or write your Delegate and Senator to convey your support of this funding. Don't know the address? You can find contact information at http://conview.state.va.us/whosmy.nsf/main?openform