HUD Atlanta Regional Director Bob Young participated on the Advisory Council at the Historic Preserve America Summit that First Lady Laura Bush chaired in New Orleans, in October of this year.

Mrs. Laura Bush, Honorary Chair of Preserve America, led nearly 500 participants of the Preserve America Summit Oct. 18-20, 2006 in New Orleans. The Summit coincided with the Oct. 15, 1966 passage of the landmark National Historic Preservation Act-40 years ago-making October an appropriate time to bring together cross disciplinary panels to review America's preservation programs and propose improvements. For information on the Summit, including rebroadcasts of the Summit plenary sessions here: www.preserveamericasummit.org/pa/.

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) values your opinions. We are seeking additional public comment on the 11 issue area reports that were developed at the recent Preserve America Summit in New Orleans. Comments are particularly welcome on action items to be presented to the ACHP at its February 2007 business meeting and are due by close of business on Jan. 16, 2007. Click here (www.preserveamericasummit.org/pa/hay_reg_index.asp?page=1022) to review the reports and obtain information on providing comments.

The National Park Service has posted application information for the FY07 Preserve America Grants. Since Congress has not yet appropriated funds for the program, grants will be awarded subject to the final availability of funds. Grants are designed to support a variety of activities related to heritage tourism and innovative approaches to the use of historic properties as educational and economic assets. The deadline for applications is Feb. 14, 2007. Click here (www.cr.nps.gov/hps/hpg/PreserveAmerica/application.htm) for grant guidelines and application forms.