The Iowa House has passed a bill that more than doubles the state tax credits available for preservation of historic properties.

This year the state is granting $20 million to developers who promise to rehab historic buildings around the state. If the bill becomes law, the state will grant $50 million in such credits for historic development next year and each year following.

Representative Sharon Steckman, a Democrat from Mason City, says $10 million will available for disaster recovery of historic sites, like the Czech Museum in Cedar Rapids which was flooded last year.

"I came to this capitol to work for jobs," Steckman says. "…House File 819 will create those jobs. There are currently at least $54 million worth of jobs waiting for this bill."

The Iowa Senate endorsed the plan before the House did. The bill now goes to Governor Culver for his approval.