The General Assembly finds that: (1) historic properties significant to the State’s heritage are being lost or substantially altered, often inadvertently, with increasing frequency; (2) historic properties are a vital part of our community life and development and cannot be replaced if lost or destroyed; (3) it is in the public interest to preserve the State’s heritage and enrich present and future generations with the cultural, educational, inspirational, social, and economic benefits of the past; (4) increasing knowledge of our historic resources, establishing better means of identifying and administering them, and encouraging their preservation will assist the economic and cultural growth of the State; and (5) the State’s heritage has been enriched by accomplishments and contributions of the State’s private preservation organizations, and their continuing activities are in the public interest.