An additional half million dollars is available for the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) this coming year. The NH House concurred with the NH Senate's $500,000 proposal although they had voted for $5 million earlier in the legislative session.

Sen. Barnes offered the $500,000 amendment to HB 1167. A second amendment by Sen. Fuller Clark to fund LCHIP at $1,250,000 failed with Sen. Johnson, Sen. Burling, Sen. Odell, Sen. Roberge, Sen. Gottesman, Sen. Foster, Sen. Larsen, Sen. Martel and Sen. Estabrook voting for the measure, and Sen. Gallus, Sen. Kenney, Sen. Boyce, Sen. Green, Sen. Flanders, Sen. Eaton, Sen. Bragdon, Sen. Clegg, Sen. Gatsas and Sen. Barnes, Sen. Letoureau and Sen. Morse voting against. (Preliminary roll call information; may be updated)

LCHIP has received funding requests for 288 projects from more than 143 New Hampshire communities that want to protect their significant natural and historic resources. LCHIP currently has only $750,000 for the estimated $59 million in requests. 

HB 1167, sponsored by Rep. Hess, Rep. Hager, Rep. Dickinson, Rep. Pratt, Sen. Johnson, Sen. Larsen, and Sen. Martel, sought an appropriation of $7.5 million to LCHIP in this budget year and next. Rep. Hess and others have emphasized that the program was essential to New Hampshire's competitive advantage, and that the funds he and other sponsors sought would not interfere with other critical needs of the state.

LCHIP is a strong catalyst for local investment, according to Jennifer Goodman, executive director of the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance. An economic analysis of LCHIP preservation grants shows a 1:13 return on investment and emphasizes that the investment circulates locally and creates well-paying jobs.

The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance is committed to the preservation of historic buildings, communities and landscapes through leadership, advocacy and education. Current priorities include training for preservation commissioners and promoting funding for LCHIP, the use of easements and barn preservation.

Go to www.lchip.org for details on the list of current community proposals for funding.