US HB7179

Establishes a competitive grant program within the Historic Preservation Fund to support workforce training, apprenticeships, and skilled trade development for preserving historic properties and culturally significant objects

Eligible grant recipients include states, territories, local governments, Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, nonprofit organizations with historic preservation experience, and accredited educational institutions

Training programs must cover specialized preservation skills such as historic masonry, timber framing, decorative finishes, archival conservation, and archaeological documentation

Projects involving skilled trades must comply with Department of Labor standards and coordinate with the Office of Apprenticeship, consistent with applicable collective bargaining agreements

Priority given to projects serving areas with high unemployment rates and communities with limited existing preservation expertise, including rural or underserved areas