Cole Secures Funding for Historic Areas Affected by Natural Disasters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Through his legislation, The American Relief Act, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) secured $50 million in competitive grant funding for the Historic Preservation Fund. This funding will allow areas, such as Historic Downtown Sulphur Commercial District, to be able to reconstruct and rehabilitate resources that were damaged or destroyed by natural disasters occurring in 2023 and/or 2024. After securing the funding, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“As a lifelong Oklahoman, I know just how much devastation and destruction natural disasters, like tornadoes, can cause. This past Spring, multiple tornadoes devastated parts of my district, including the Town of Sulphur and its Historic Downtown Commercial District. Therefore, today, I am proud to announce that $50 million secured in my legislation is now available to apply for to help rebuild and support the local downtowns, businesses, and historic areas that have been crushed,” said Congressman Cole. “As the representative for the Fourth District of Oklahoma, I will always ensure that I am fighting for my local communities, and I look forward to seeing this funding be put to good use.”

How to apply for assistance:

Entities will be able to apply for two types of funding needs – preservation and capacity.

PRESERVATION:

For this grant, eligible applicants are state governments, city of town governments, county governments, Native American tribes, certain nonprofits, special district governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, independent school districts, Native American tribal organizations, and private institutions of higher education. The funding can be used for construction and rebuilding efforts of Historic Preservation Funding sites that have incurred damage in a natural disaster in 2023 and/or in 2024.

To apply for the emergency supplemental historic preservation fund for preservation needs, click here. The application period is now open and will close on July 15, 2025.

CAPACITY:

For this grant, eligible applicants are nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status, Native American tribes, and state governments. This funding can be used for capacity building, completing compliance requirements, survey, planning, and design.

To apply for the emergency supplemental historic preservation fund for capacity needs, click here. The application is now open and will close on June 12, 2025.

Please stay tuned for future announcements as additional disaster assistance is released and available to Oklahomans.

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