(WHTM)-- Preserving old buildings takes not only the willingness to do it but also money.

The state house just passed a bill that would provide funding. It could ultimately provide grants of up to a half-million dollars to preserve old buildings and make them safe.

Historic Harrisburg is renovating its old building, which was a bank dating to the 1800s.

"The bottom line is, historic preservation really is one of the key strategies for revitalizing older communities and that cities, boroughs, small towns, and even, rural areas," Historic Harrisburg executive director David Morrison said. "Historic preservation is a great way to revitalize what we have."

The bill passed the house and it now heads to the senate.