By Blake Jackson
A Pennsylvania senator is proposing a tax credit program to encourage the preservation of historic barns. Barns at least 50 years old would be eligible, with the aim of keeping them functional for agriculture and tourism while maintaining their cultural value.
Senator Lisa Baker believes these historic structures represent the past, present, and future of Pennsylvania's agricultural identity. The 10-year program has gained support from agricultural and historical organizations.
Senator Vogel, who chairs the agriculture committee, emphasizes the urgency of saving these barns before they disappear. He highlights the loss of the Kepler barn at Penn State as an example.
Supporters of the Historic Barn and Farm Foundation view these barns as irreplaceable links to the past. Each barn, they say, tells a unique story and deserves to be preserved for future generations.
The proposal has also resonated with the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center. Barns like the Pennsylvania barn, with its distinctive features, are seen as cultural treasures. However, owners often struggle with the high cost of maintaining them.
Tax credits, tailored to the specific needs of historic barns, are seen as a crucial part of the solution. Senator Vogel, who himself owns historic barns, believes the credits can incentivize repairs and keep these structures standing for future generations.
This program aims to go beyond just saving barns; it looks to revitalize them as functional parts of Pennsylvania's agricultural landscape and cultural heritage.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-simplycreativephotography
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy