[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 16 (Thursday, February 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        PRESERVING HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

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                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 1998

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I introduced H.R. 3266, 
legislation which will be of great benefit to our nation's Historically 
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and will help preserve a vital 
cultural link for this country. I am very proud that each member of the 
Congressional Black Caucus has joined with me in co-sponsoring this 
bill.
  Our bill will amend the Omnibus Parks and Public Land Management Act 
of 1996 to provide additional funding for the preservation and 
restoration of historic buildings and structures at HBCUs. There is 
currently an authorization of $29 million for this activity, but much 
more is needed.
  Last year I sought a General Accounting Office (GAO) study to 
determine exactly the amount needed to preserve these treasures. The 
Congressional Black Caucus requested the GAO to conduct this survey, 
and after a year long undertaking, this comprehensive report was given 
to me on February 6th.
  Every HBCU responded to the GAO survey. The report documents 712 
historic properties owned by these institutions, and projects a cost of 
$755 million to renovate and preserve these sites. The current 
authorization requires a dollar for dollar match from the schools, and 
the legislation I introduced will expand the authorized program by 
$377.5 million. This authorization, Mr. Speaker, requires a dollar for 
dollar match by the school.
  Mr. Speaker, once we lose a site of historic significance, it is gone 
forever. The extent of the threat these sites face is exemplified by 
their recent nomination to the National Trust for Historic 
Preservation's Eleven Most Endangered List. The schools which will 
benefit from this legislation are much more than academic institutions. 
For many Americans these HBCUs represent the very core of their 
communities, and were a source of refuge, shelter, and inspiration 
during the dark days of segregation. Indeed, the nomination to the 
Eleven Most Endangered List states in part, ``During the Civil Rights 
Movement, HBCUs were as important as churches in the black community.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join 
with me in this struggle to save a significant part of our heritage.

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