NATIONAL HISTORIC COVERED BRIDGE PRESERVATION.

SEC. 1224. NATIONAL HISTORIC COVERED BRIDGE PRESERVATION. (a) Historic Covered Bridge Defined.—In this section, the term “historic covered bridge” means a covered bridge that is listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. (b) Historic Covered Bridge Preservation.—Subject to the availability of appropriations under subsection (d), the Secretary shall— (1) collect and disseminate information concerning historic covered bridges; (2) foster educational programs relating to the history and construction techniques of historic covered bridges; (3) conduct research on the history of historic covered bridges; and (4) conduct research, and study techniques, on protecting historic covered bridges from rot, fire, natural disasters, or weight-related damage. (c) Direct Federal Assistance.— (1) In general.—Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall make a grant to a State that submits an application to the Secretary that demonstrates a need for assistance in carrying out 1 or more historic covered bridge projects described in paragraph (2). (2) Types of project.—A grant under paragraph (1) may be made for a project— (A) to rehabilitate or repair a historic covered bridge; and (B) to preserve a historic covered bridge, including through— (i) installation of a fire protection system, including a fireproofing or fire detection system and sprinklers; (ii) installation of a system to prevent vandalism and arson; or (iii) relocation of a bridge to a preservation site. (3) Authenticity.—A grant under paragraph (1) may be made for a project only if— (A) to the maximum extent practicable, the project— (i) is carried out in the most historically appropriate manner; and (ii) preserves the existing structure of the historic covered bridge; and (B) the project provides for the replacement of wooden components with wooden components, unless the use of wood is impracticable for safety reasons. (4) Federal share.—The Federal share of the cost of a project carried out with a grant under this subsection shall be 80 percent. (d) Funding.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 through 2003. Such funds shall remain available until expended.