Landrieu Passes $50-million in Funding for HBCU's
Senator Fights for Legislation to Help Historical Buildings
WASHINGTON — Sixteen buildings on the campuses of Louisiana's Historically Black Colleges and Universities will be eligible for federal restoration funds, through legislation forged by Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La) that contains significant increases for HBCU's. The legislation—which doubles the current level of funding—passed the US Senate in late January, and provides $10-million a year for the next five years. Negotiators from both the Senate and the US House of Representatives are working now to iron out the differences in the two versions of the bill which seeks to preserve and restore damaged buildings at historically black colleges and universities nationwide, including four campuses in Louisiana.
Senators Mary Landrieu and John Breaux (D-La) are working to maintain the funding at its current level.
"We are excited about the possibility of receiving funds to preserve and enhance historical building landmarks on our campus," said Grambling State University's Acting President Dr. Neari Warner. "Like many other HBCU's, Grambling State University has many of its original buildings. However, they are in need of special maintenance and restorative attention. We are also proud that our own Senator Mary Landrieu was pivotal in sponsoring this legislation."
The funding is specifically earmarked for buildings or structures that are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. In most cases that means buildings that are at least 50 years old. Louisiana has four HBCU's with structures that are potentially eligible for listing: Southern University, Baton Rouge campus – one building; Grambling University—five buildings; Dillard University – seven buildings; and Xavier University – three buildings.
"Many of these buildings are historically significant, and it's important to preserve these national treasures," said Senator Landrieu. "Unfortunately, some of them are in urgent need of repair. This legislation will provide the matching funds to maintain this part of our nation's history for generations to come."
Southern University's Baton Rouge campus has a University President's home that was built in the 1870's and was once part of a slave plantation.
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"A great part of Southern University's quest to preserve its history involves the restoration of historic buildings," said Southern University Chancellor Edward R. Jackson. "The University's historic facilities are a symbol of its legacy, a reminder of its growth, and a marker for its success. We take great pride in these buildings and have a responsibility to preserve them."
Dillard University President Dr. Michael Lomax says restoration of older buildings is part of helping HBCU's to become more competitive, more contemporary learning and living environments. "Historically Black Colleges and Universities are of national significance in the areas of education and African-American heritage. The bill introduced by Senator Landrieu meets a critical need by enabling HBCU's to restore and preserve their facilities and grounds and continue our mission of serving and preparing generations of African American leaders."
At Xavier University, the original library was completed in 1937 and is now home of the university's music department, including a recital hall and rehearsal rooms. The Administration Building was dedicated by the Archbishop of Philadelphia in 1932, and both buildings were originally built by Xavier's Founder, Saint Katharine Drexal.
"Senator Landrieu has shown great leadership in advancing legislation to restore and preserve historic properties at our nation's historically black colleges and universities," said Xavier President Norman C. Francis. " Xavier looks forward to working with her on what is but the first of several steps necessary to meet the overall preservation needs of these institutions."
