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Committee advances establishment of Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund to match preservation donations
Summary
Legislation to create a state-administered battlefield trust fund to match private and public contributions and acquire or protect historic battlefield land passed the Game, Fish & Parks committee; fund would require 1:1 matches and be managed by Department of Natural Resources.
The Game, Fish & Parks committee voted to advance House Bill 454, which would establish the Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund administered by the Department of Natural Resources to preserve Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War battlefields.
Representative Gaines, sponsor of the bill, told the committee the fund would accept annual appropriations, grants, gifts and donations and that the DNR would review and approve project proposals for matching grants. The bill, as presented, would require recipient organizations to provide dollar-for-dollar matches for any state funds awarded.
"This legislation would create the Battlefield Trust Fund administered by the Department of Natural Resources...and it authorizes DNR to review and approve project proposals for matching grants from the fund for the purchase of battlefields...and provides eligible costs may be used for acquisition or permanent protective interests," Representative Gaines said.
David Duncan, president of the American Battlefield Trust, spoke in support and cited examples from other states where state battlefield funds have leveraged federal and private funds. Duncan said some states see multipliers: "In Virginia, for example, the multiplier is 6 to 1. So we're able to save $6 worth of hallowed ground in Virginia for a $1 investment from the Commonwealth." Committee members praised the proposal as a way to preserve under-recognized Southern Revolutionary and Civil War sites.
The bill does not include an appropriation; supporters said funding would be addressed through the budget process. After discussion, the committee approved the measure by voice vote.
