American Express gives $2M to help save US sites

WASHINGTON (AP) - American Express is giving $2 million to launch a new program with the National Trust for Historic Preservation to help preserve endangered cultural and historic places nationwide.

Under the grant announced Thursday, American Express will be the presenting sponsor for the preservation group's National Treasures program. It's the last leg of a $15 million commitment from American Express over 10 years through 2015.

The National Trust has identified an initial group of 37 historic places designated as National Treasures in need of preservation. The sites include the Astrodome in Houston, Joe Frazier's gym in Philadelphia, the Sweet Auburn Historic District in Atlanta and the National Cathedral and Union Station in Washington.

The grant funding will support the overall program and fund some preservation needs at specific locations.