Iowa
IA-2
Ashley Hinson
Republican
Historic Preservation Fund:
Do you support stable and robust funding for the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
Would you support efforts to reauthorize and increase the Historic Preservation Fund?
Yes
QUESTION 2: Regular reauthorizations enable Congress to perform crucial oversight of programs to ensure that they are in the best interest of taxpayers and are functioning properly. It also provides an opportunity for Congress to modernize important programs. I believe the Historic Preservation Fund should be regularly reauthorized, which will give Congress the chance to ensure that grants are being distributed appropriately and that communities like those in Iowa are being given a fair chance of receiving an award. However, it is essential that any increase in funding is balanced with fiscal responsibility. We must ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively. Conversations surrounding an increase to the Historic Preservation Fund should be included in broader budget priorities to protect our historical landmarks while also maintaining a responsible federal budget.
Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives:
Would you support efforts to modernize and enhance the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) program?
Yes
I would carefully consider any proposal to update the federal Historic Tax Credit. Such proposals should be properly offset so as not to increase costs to taxpayers. Additionally, efforts should be made to ensure that any modernization of these credits do
Do you support the Federal Historic Preservation Easement program?
Yes
I recognize the importance of preserving our nation’s historic sites and ensuring that future generations can enjoy and appreciate our heritage. This program plays a crucial role in safeguarding these landmarks, however, we must ensure such programs are operating efficiently and transparently without creating unnecessary burdens for property owners or creating federal overreach.
Historic Preservation Protections:
Would you support policies that ensure that the impact on historic and cultural resources continue to be considered as part of the federal project planning process?
Yes
QUESTION 5: Preserving our nation’s heritage is a priority, but we must ensure economic development and infrastructure improvements are being made. I support policies that allow for cultural and historic resources to continue as long as they do not make unnecessary delays in development or create more red tape at excessive costs. Local communities, states, and private stakeholders should also play a critical role in these decisions to ensure that federal oversight does not become over-regulation.
GENERAL COMMENTS: It is always essential for local community members to be able to participate in the federal planning project process. If the community believes that a project would be detrimental to national or local history, that should be taken into consideration. Federal projects should not negatively impact historic and tribal cultural areas.
Does historic preservation play an important role in your state/district? How so? Describe any personal connections to historic preservation or historic sites. Is there a specific historic place in your district that is important to you and your constituents?
Absolutely! There are several historic preservation projects across IA-02. I am proud to represent the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area, one of only 55 designated national heritage areas across the US. Silos & Smokestacks works to interpret and carry on the legacy of farm life, agribusiness, and rural communities, sharing that heritage in affiliation with the National Park Service. This is of the utmost importance to Iowans. Within the Silos & Smokestacks area is the Effigy Mounds National Monument, American Indian ceremonial mounds that are of cultural tribal significance. Additionally, the towns and cities along the Mississippi River in particular are home to many areas of historic significance, as the river has long served as a key transit route in American history and is home to many stories of national significance. Finally, there are several historic preservation efforts across other areas of the district, including local history projects in Linn County.