Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a legislative hearing on Congresswoman Stefanik’s bipartisan legislation, the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act. Congresswoman Stefanik invited Beth Hill, the President and CEO of the Fort Ticonderoga Association, to testify before the Subcommittee on the benefits of the legislation and how Fort Ticonderoga would benefit from Stefanik’s bill. 

“As co-chair of the Congressional Battlefield Caucus, I am honored to lead this legislation that will ensure our many battlefields in Upstate New York, the North Country, and across America are preserved. It was an honor to have my friend Beth Hill, CEO of the Fort Ticonderoga Association, before the Committee today to discuss the unique benefits of the legislation and the great work that is happening at Fort Ticonderoga. Updating and modernizing this program is an important step in securing additional needs for our battlefields. New York’s 21st Congressional District is the cradle of the American Revolution and I will always work to preserve our battlefields,” stated Congresswoman Stefanik.

Congresswoman Stefanik’s Opening Remarks

Testimony of Beth Hill, President & CEO of Fort Ticonderoga Association

“Fort Ticonderoga applauds Congresswoman Stefanik for her leadership supporting important historic preservation programs, including introducing H.R. 3448. She has been a constant champion of our nation’s history,” stated Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “The American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act will ensure that this grant program is nimble and successful, maximizing its potential as a critical means of battlefield preservation. As our nation approaches our national 250^th commemoration of the American Revolution, we must take this opportunity to expand resources, mobilize partnerships, and ensure that our nation’s hallowed grounds are preserved for posterity.”

“America’s battlefields are irreplaceable parts of our shared national heritage,” said David Duncan, President of the American Battlefield Trust. “When preserved, these places serve as outdoor classrooms to educate current and future generations about the defining moments in our nation’s history. We are exceedingly grateful to Congress and the National Park Service for their continued support of historic battlefield preservation through the American Battlefield Protection Program, and for supporting legislation to strengthen and improve this successful private-public partnership to save our nation’s hallowed battlegrounds.”

Specifically, the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act would:

1. Allow non-profits and tribes to apply for ABPP grants directly instead of through a state or local government sponsor.
2. Allow ABPP’s restoration grants to be used on priority battlefields in addition to land that has been preserved using program funding.
3. Clarify eligibility of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites for Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants.
4. Create a process for expanding and updating battlefield boundaries.

In March of this year, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik was awarded the National Preservation Leadership Award from the American Battlefield Trust for her leadership on battlefield preservation.

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