54 U.S.C. § 308701: Policy

It shall be the policy of the Federal Government, in partnership with the States and local governments and private organizations and individuals, to—(1) use measures, including financial and technical assistance, to foster conditions under which our modern society and our historic maritime resources can exist in productive harmony; (2) provide leadership in the preservation of the historic maritime resources of the United States; (3) contribute to the preservation of historic maritime resources and give maximum encouragement to organizations and individuals undertaking preservation by private means; and (4) assist State and local governments to expand their maritime historic preservation programs and activities.