DOT and the Preserve America Initiative

The Richmond Canal Walk is a 1.25-mile walk through historic downtown Richmond, VA. Learn more...

On March 3, 2003, President Bush signed Executive Order 13287, Preserve America, and announced a related White House initiative. This EO emphasizes the policy originally established in the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), calling for Federal Agencies to take a leadership role in preserving America's heritage by enhancing efforts that:

• Inventory, preserve, and showcase federally-managed historic and cultural, or "heritage," resources
• Strengthen Federal Stewardship of Historic Properties
• Encourage partnerships between the private sector and government to develop and support heritage tourism as a cornerstone of economic development

The U.S. Department of Transportation has an important role in the implementation of the Preserve America Initiative. Our country's roads, canals, bridges, railways, trails, and mass transit facilities have provided the infrastructure for Americans to travel since the beginning of our nation. The Department has assumed an integral role in preserving this heritage with over $1 billion in transportation funds invested in historic preservation and the preservation of historic transportation facilities since 1991. Restored rail depots and rehabilitated small-town Main Streets demonstrate the significant potential in using historic resources to aid economic development and preserving a link to our past. The transportation resources of our history help us travel to the future.