Preservationists around the state are on the edge of their seats as this session of the Mississippi Legislature draws to a close. House Bill 155, authored by the Speaker of the House and champion of the state historic tax credit, Phillip Gunn, is now in conference and, since it has made it this far, we have every reason to be hopeful about its passage. This measure would extend the state historic tax credit to 2030 and increase the maximum amount of allowable credits to $100,000,000.
Union County Courthouse (1909, H.E. Ostling, archt.)
House Bill 1463, introduced by Representative Jeff Smith, who hails from Columbus, that most historic of cities, has been less fortunate. This measure to allocate $5,000,000 for the Community Heritage Preservation Grant Fund died in committee on March 17. Insiders say not to lose hope, however, as deals cut in conference committees can often bring about miracles.
The state historic tax credit and the Community Heritage Preservation Grant Program have made all the difference in saving our architectural legacy over the past ten years. If you have the opportunity to speak with your elected officials, please thank them for their ongoing support of historic preservation in Mississippi and urge them to get behind these two important pieces of legislation.
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See which of Mississippi’s iconic buildings have been preserved through the CHPG program:
Categories: Historic Preservation, Preservation Law/Local Commissions
Preservation in Mississippi 
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