Public comment period on draft State Historic Tax Credit Program rules open through July 30

New program will help support place-based projects while promoting the preservation of Michigan’s historic resources

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is reminding communities and residents across the state that the public comment period for the new State Historic Tax Credit Program rules remains open through Friday, July 30, 2021.

Approved in May by the Michigan Strategic Fund board, the draft rules for the new State Historic Tax Credit Program, as signed into law by the Governor on December 30, 2020, will help support place-based projects while promoting the preservation of Michigan’s historic resources in communities throughout every county of the state.

“As Michigan communities work to recover from the pandemic, the new State Historic Tax Credit Program will assist in the revitalization of Michigan’s historic resources, resulting in vibrant, unique places where people want to live, work, visit, and play,” said Michigan’s State Historic Preservation Officer Mark A. Rodman. “We encourage all interested Michiganders to review the rules and submit their comments before the deadline on July 30.”

The draft rules are available for public review and comment and can be accessed by (1) downloading this PDF document, (2) emailing a request for the rules to preservation@michigan.gov, or (3) sending a written request for the rules to SHPO, 300 N. Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48913.

Comments may be submitted to the SHPO in writing via U.S. Mail to 300 N. Washington Sq., Lansing MI 48913 or emailed to preservation@michigan.gov. The header or subject line of the correspondence should include “Draft Rules Comments.” Individuals’ names and the name of any organization they may be representing, along with contact information, must be included. Comments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT, Friday, July 30, 2021.

The SHPO will schedule a formal public hearing in accordance with the formal Rulemaking Process. As details for the public hearing are available, they will be posted to the SHPO website homepage at www.michigan.gov/shpo.

The approved rules will allow the SHPO team to continue to consult with stakeholder groups and others throughout state government as part of its overall administrative rulemaking process, with the goal of this program being ready to administer by early 2022. Learn more about the new program and find answers to frequently-asked questions at www.miplace.org/historic-preservation/programs-and-services/historic-preservation-tax-credits/.

The new State Historic Tax Credit Program will help support place-based projects while promoting the preservation of Michigan’s historic resources. Eligible properties must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the State Register of Historic Sites, or be in a local historic district, and either be individually listed or contribute to a listed district. The credit has a $5 million cap per calendar year.

To learn more about the State Historic Tax Credit Program, visit here. The full Public Act can be reviewed by visiting here.

About the State Historic Preservation Office
Focused on the historic preservation of culturally or archaeologically significant sites throughout the state, Michigan's State Historic Preservation Office’s main function is to provide technical assistance to local communities and property owners in their efforts to identify, evaluate, designate, interpret and protect Michigan’s historic above- and below-ground resources. SHPO also administers an incentives program that includes federal tax credits and pass-through grants available to Certified Local Governments.

To learn more about the State Historic Preservation Office and the Certified Local Government program, visit https://www.miplace.org/historic-preservation/.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.