US HB5970

Establishes the Historic Naval Ship Preservation Grant Program within the Department of the Interior, administered by the Secretary through the National Park Service in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense

Authorizes $5,000,000 annually beginning in fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter for competitive grants to state/local governments and private nonprofit organizations that operate covered sites

Grants may fund physical upkeep and repair of historic military vessels, environmental hazard mitigation, and education and workforce development programs related to military maritime careers including shipbuilding and submarine construction

Eligible vessels include decommissioned ships owned by the Department of Defense, Coast Guard, or vessels built for the U.S. Maritime Commission that were equipped with armaments and Navy Armed Guard personnel

Covered sites include museums, memorials, monuments, educational centers, or other venues that provide public access to or publicly display historic military vessels