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SECTION 106 /042 The Revised Section 106 Process: Flow Chart May 1999 Initiate Section 106 Process Establish undertaking No UNDERTAKING/ :-.. ,. Identify appropriate SHPO/THPO —M: NO POTENTIAL TO Plan to involve the public CAUSE EFFECTS Identify other consulting parties UNDERTAKING MIGHT AFFECT HISTORIC PROPERTIES Identify Historic Properties Determine scope of efforts No HISTORIC 'E Identify historic properties ---r' PROPERTIES AFFECTED Evaluate historic significance HISTORIC PROPERTIES ARE AFFECTED $� Assess Adverse Effects No HISTORIC PROPERTIES :<�a1 -- Apply criteria of adverse effect ADVERSELY AFFECTED HISTORIC PROPERTIES ARE ADVERSELY AFFECTED Resolve Adverse Effects MEMORANDUM OF Continue consultation AGREEMENT FAILURE TO AGREE — ' COUNCIL COMMENT (over) - The Revised Section 106 Process: A Summary Section 106 of the National Historic If questions arise about the eligibility of a Consultation usually results in a Memoran- Preservation Act of 1966(NHPA)requires given property,the agency may seek a dum of Agreement(MOA),which outlines Federal agencies to take into account the formal determination of eligibility from the agreed upon measures that the agency will effects of their undertakings on historic National Park Service.Section 106 review take to avoid,minimize,or mitigate the ad- properties,and afford the Advisory Council gives equal consideration to properties that verse effect. In some cases,the consulting on Historic Preservation a reasonable have already been included in the National parties may agree that no such measures opportunity to comment The historic Register as well as those that meet are possible,but that the adverse effects preservation review process mandated by National Register criteria. must be accepted in the public interest Section 106 is outlined in regulations issued by the Council.These regulations, If the agency finds that no historic Implementation Protection of Historic Properties;were properties are present or affected, revised in May, 1999 and are summarized it provides documentation to the If an MOA is executed,the agency below. They will be codified at 36 C.F.R. SHPO/THPO and,barring any objection in proceeds with its undertaking under the Part 800. 30 days,proceeds with its undertaking. terms of the MOA. Initiate Section 106 process If the Agency finds that historic properties Failure to resolve adverse effects are present,it proceeds to assess possible The responsible Federal agency first adverse effects. If consultation proves unproductiye,the determines whether it has an undertaking agency or the SHPO/THPO,or the Council that could affect historic properties,which Assess adverse effects itself,may terminate consultation. If an are properties that are included in or that SHPO terminates consultation,the agency meet the criteria for the National Register of The agency,in consultation with the and the Council may conclude an MOA Historic Places. If so,it must identify the SHPO/THPO, makes an assessment of without SHPO involvement However,if a appropriate State Historic Preservation adverse effects on the identified historic THPO terminates consultation and the OfficerlTnbal Historic Preservation Officer properties based on criteria found in the undertaking is on or affecting historic (SHPO/THPO)to consult with during the Council's regulations. properties on tribal lands,the Council must process. It should also plan to involve the provide its comments. The agency must public,and identify other potential If they agree that there will be No Adverse submit appropriate documentation to the consulting parties. If it determines that it Effect,the agency proceeds with the Council and request the Council's written has no undertaking,or that its undertaking undertaking and any agreed upon comments. The agency head must take has no potential to affect historic properties, conditions. into account the Council's written corn- the agency has no further Section 106 ments in deciding how to proceed. obligations. If the parties cannot agree or they find that there is an Adverse Effect,the agency Tribes,Native Hawaiians,&the public Identify historic properties begins consultation to identify ways to . avoid,minimize,or mitigate adverse Public involvement is a key ingredient in If the agency's undertaking could affect effects. successful Section 106 consultation,and historic properties,the agency determines the views of the public should be solicited the scope of appropriate identification Resolve adverse effects and considered throughout the process. efforts and then proceeds to identify historic properties in the area of potential effects. - The agency consults with the SHPO/THPO The regulations also place major emphasis The agency reviews background and others,who may include Indian tribes on consultation with Indian tribes and information,consults with the SHPO/THPO and Native Hawaiian organizations,local Native Hawaiian organizations,in keeping and others,seeks information from governments, permit or license applicants, with the 1992 amendments to NHPA knowledgeable parties,and conducts and members of the public.The Council Consultation with an Indian tribe must additional studies as necessary. Districts, may participate in consultation when there respect tribal sovereignty and the sites,buildings,structures,and objects are substantial impacts to important historic government—to-government relationship listed in the National Register are properties,when a case presents important between the Federal government and considered;unlisted properties are evalu- questions of policy or interpretation,when Indian tribes. Even if an Indian tribe has ated against the National Park Service's there is a potential for procedural problems, not been certified by NPS to have a THPO published criteria,in consultation with the or when there are issues of concern to that can act for the SHPO on its lands,it SHPO/THPO and any Indian tribe or Native Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian must be consulted about undertakings on Hawaiian organization that may attach organizations. or affecting its lands on the same basis and religious or cultural importance to them. in addition to the SHPO. pro, FIVE-MINUTE LOOK SECTION IV:IMPLEMENTING THE SECTION 106 PROCFtS N-1 AT SECTION 106 • A FIVE-MINUTE LOOK AT SECITON 106 REVIEW About the Section 106 review process What is Section 106 review? This term refers to the Federal review process designed to ensure that historic properties are considered dur- ing Federal project planning and execution. The review process is ad- ministered by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation,an independent Federal agency. Who established Section 106? The Congress did,as part of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966(NHPA). NHPA,strengthened and ex- • panded by several subsequent amendments,today has become the cornerstone of this country's historic preservation policy. • Why was Section 106 created? NHPA was enacted because of public con- cern that so many of our Nation's historic resources were not receiving adequate attention as the Government sponsored much-needed public • works projects. In the 1960s,Federal preservation law applied only to a handful of nationally significant properties,and Congress recognized that new legislation was needed to protect the many other historic properties that were being harmed by Federal activities. What does NEPA say? Section 106 of NHPA requires that every Federal agency"take into account"how each of its undertakings could affect his- toric properties. An agency must also afford the Council a reasonable op- portunity to comment on the agency's project. What is a Federal"undertaking"? This term includes a broad range of Federal activities: construction,rehabilitation and repair projects, demolition,licenses,permits,loans,loan guarantees,grants,Federal property transfers,and many other types of Federal involvement. • Whenever one of these activities affects a historic property,the sponsor- ing agency is obligated to seek Council comments. • What is a historic property? For purposes of Section 106,any property listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places is con- sidered historic. The National Register is this country's basic inventory of historic resour- ces and is maintained by the Secretary of the Interior. The list includes buildings,structures,objects,sites,districts,and archeological resources. The listed properties are not just of nationwide importance;most are sig- nificant primarily at the State or local level. It is important to note that the protections of Section 106 extend to properties that possess sig- nificance but have not yet been listed or formally determined eligible for listing. Even properties that have not yet been discovered(such as ar- cheological properties),but that possess significance,are subject to Sec- tion 106 review. PARTICIPANT'S DESK REFERENCE • IV-2 SECTION IV:IMPLEMENTING THE SECTION 106 PROCESS FIVE-MINUTE LOOK AT SECTION 106 n ..... ..................:...etc°.:�.�:.�....�..���_��,,,.. ure<7.; 1;brief lookat.Section406 reiiiew:;.;•::::;;:•;:;•:;:•::•::::•..................... : :.... <':iHo does'.: Secfiorr.`•:•:�106;review:work?: ::;;: ....,.; ........::........................... ... ...................Sbep2;.::iisseSg,#ffeCts : :::: :::'$t 4..�octncit:�omm • :The.StandardieDiew' ro3ivi—i:;;•• : :::::•:::a::•:•::".•:•:;•:•::::. :--...:.••••:.7..-,,...: :.:-;;:::::::::. ::::::......:: :......... . ems::::;::;;..:..::.;• •spelle..:. ut in Federal regulations u- :▪ ::`: :if Mein....:........mitts ... -,,........e ....:•::.:. .... :.::nci-.:: � ::: e ::::::::::::::::. ::�:?(sueded...6 f 6redifyCo• iiiiii n•His- . .: ncP tes;Ahat.►s,pn�pert :•::: Th°Conn may.commerrt Bede :i4:::: Hs::::::....includedinor•.eligible:forinclusion:m::;•::::•::ste 3ofihe row b ::.'`•tone Preservation.Enti`tled Protection:::; ::: :. .' :: .. --d .-• ••.•..... P P Y P.athe r sult cid:................ the tJa i.0 .). isfer,.arefcuitd;alie: :. : .:lrrcoro.x..ati.thetwil:st nice She result.....::: :•�;�:otH�storii;Pro ePGes;"ihe�:r :.. .:.::::•...::::::::.:•:::•�::::•.:...,........::.:......................... ..... ._ p the regulations:: :: . ... ..:• 8...::g •::, :............... 1.9!7:::.:::•:::agency fl?ec$asesses;whaf flea itsii::::;:;xi!il MOA`ioi ft iwise;ahe:a ert obc;.::• ; ;::appear,in the U.S::Code:of:Federal:•::::.:::.::.Undertalttrigwill have on`therii.• gait}';. :aain's`Councit i omrrieiit bysubm ttin:`•::::Regulationsat36-CFR Part 800 The::.:::::::;.ttie:agencywirorks:wiffi:tiie`SHP.t}:and......:the:M.OAivttie' ..,::....lfor...n. ..:O 9. process involves five basic.ste . .�.....::••::: ::: ::::..........................................:......:Lour:aT for reiiiew`and:::•::. ............_.....iv ........6.. :ens;.5:•:-::':•`...,66risideis:$re:vrews:oC:ott►ers::•:The :::::::aoce bi........ i:iffOpi•.. ......... .. . . . .. ptance.,;7he`Council can acre t:: :�; en makes Its assessment:based:•:::::•:•::the:MO .tio.i1 66 : e e. .................................................................................�.....�:............:.-.:.....-............................... A, uest.chan es- :.. .... �or-opt•to: ;;: :;;: ...... .......................... ........ .................:::::: :•::.:ortcntenafd-intfiie:Goiiii 'a�:t�:�::�:�:���:�:���:isiie.�::•:� . ..:...................:. :...... .. ........ .... ::•:•::: ........ : . . .. :: :.......•... . . . ... .......... ::.::• :: :::::::..........::i o••::::::•:. .: e at:trriromments. tzuh Step;t,..;Identify and;evaluate:??:::::'regulations Ltd can make cite:of:; : ::::::at,on was:ier iinat .ed,tnt Council p.. .:: ,.. : : IstOrie: r0 etties::::::::•:: :.::.::::.::::::::::3hree detei.,.:.Tationit;: ::: � : . :;::•:::•::•::•:�:•:•::aues.rts:wrdten:comaie.. ..... rtts d�rectty to: ::::::: ....:::::: .•::"............:..:.::::.:""thee a head as:ttie:a en ::.:hail: ;:•:;• :. ............ .......: n i : ., .-:: :.s:f�td:effecthe underta36.i . • ;•::::The.Federal agen :re ons,ble.for:art: ::•:::::: ....:...................... ........... rtgn'fl;not�:?�: :`t�.'ie'`'nested::;::�:`.�:� :`.�:'.: �::::::::::;•:::::•::�:�::•::::.:::::•::��:: :: undertaken ins.b .identi .... ;:':;::::'::affecthistoricpropevties; .....::::.:::::•::::c;•: •::•: ::•::::::::: :=::::::.:.::::._:::::::::::::.::::, .:::: . .9:� y :...: M"g the :.�: ::::•:::::: • •::•::::•::•:::;:•:::•:: : ::.�:::::•:�::•:::•:::•:::::•:�::�:•::::�•:;�::•::::::::.�:•c:�.::...:. :' •.historic;pro erties:the and " .e... .......tee ,::::::::•:::::::::::x:::: :.,....: ............. • -• ..,:..e ::::: ::::.�a�Io•adverse:effect::•:the:under'talon ::::��tep S. Proceed: :;;;::::::::::::;::::::•:;;•:;:;•:.:•.•:may of eP6r7::TO:doahli,the agency ::i'::•::•::P::: .iili i... :: •::•sl ::•: ;:o.r.� •:• :::::gii•i:•::•::;•i:•: ...:::::::.:::•:r.:•::::;:::th ••::::::. : :;;:first reviiews back r . . ; :::•:•:•:• : ;willaffect one or:more histonc;::::::::.:: :::::: :;::.::.:;•::::::•::•:::::::•:•:: ::::::::•:::::.._:•:: : ....... ..::.:.:: 9 ound Informat�on.............. .......................................:.:::::.�:K.� ro :i'ties but the-effect will not be Mds iexecuted thengency:;'::<'::::_and;consults;with:the;State:Historic :;isi::?�:•:�::p• �:: `. .:. ::: : : :::::.:::•::•::•:;::... ........ ....... r..... ,. ....Prese nsioa:Oifcer SH •::•:;•:::::::::•::•::al.armfui ::: ::::::::::::...•:::.;::. ::'::::;.::::.::•;:•:;•Prxeedswith its undertaking under . . ... . ..... ..ffic . . ..:0}and;::•:;•::::;:•:•::::..:::::.::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::•::::;•::.:: :: :::::::: ::::::::::.the.te :::.... . .:..:. ..... . ;;;::others.whoma k _ : � - .•............................. . rms:ot.the:MOA.:.:in;the:absence.;_;;;: y. now.about historic:•:::::::: ;:;;' ;t;;::c::::::;;::::::::::::;:::::•::c:::::::•::::::::::::.::::.....:.. O•.:::..:....::.........:.....::...:.:..:::........:........ iiaie&eagiii•co nci- ... .t....... •Adverse:effectthe undertakingwilC •;�:Propert,esmthearea :8asedon;{t►ia:�:: :::;:��::;•....:.:.�::..::.:�.,•:::::::�:•:::•.:.:•:•: ..... � •:�::•:�:;�:�`.:. take.into;axount die•Caunc,i s written`:••review:the:agency,determines,whatad=__;:;;::;:;:harm,one:or:more historic proper-;: ;;;j::.•••••••: ... :.:::•:. :comments n c edtiuig whether and ::::?..:"::ditional surveys.or_other:field:studies:`.::f: :::: ties::::.:........... ................ ............:::....... . or ....... ...... .: •::: : ::: : :z how::to proceed;:: ::::::::;•:: ::::::•: .:.`:: • �.;::may;be::needed;::and:coiidiicts such::�::••::•:::: ::::::::. ::.�.�:::::::::::::•:::::•::::: :.............:...... ...................... ...... . .............. ........:.::::. :::•::studies;::�: :?;�::�::� �:c�:�:=:::::�: t't .. . $te ...............:.................................................:..........................::.::•:::: ::•:s;:::::;;:::::. • . ::. .:::::::. :.:::::::::::::::::::::::•:::p3,Consultatio ::: ::::::. . .....a _......:.........::a •: Alternative•a r ... .. .... . .. :: •:•-:: �_::..-::::.-::::;::�: �::::�:-.:::-:: :.:::•.-:::.-._::: ::::............... .............:............. PP.:_...ches . :.:.-::•::: ::: ... ................ ............... ............... ....::rr th . -grope es;a at:is districtssites;.:;;;:;:;:::at:an adverse effect:will oxur;the;;; :?:;;:::::;;:.•:::.:�::�.:.; :::•:�:•.. ...: .•� :• �: buildings,structures,.or:ob' 1e .x agency consults with;the_,SHPO and .... a��on 106 regulat<ons aiso too...................?..: pell - iound thatmay•be eligible for in .....: ;:others ut tut effort to find wa tag ':;;:::`. ::4L tthree alternative means of comply-:::: dusronin the NationalRe•gister of H1s=::::'.'•::ainake the undertakin aess ::::•_ =': ngw on 106 These are $.. ...artnlul ............... :;;.::tone Places„buthave:not:yetbeen::::;:::. :::.Others who are:....... .......•u .................... ................................ :::: .....: ..........: . .._$oniutted;::under. ::•::: ::•::•:::::• : S4i:*:':"''''f:••Aiiiu:::•iii.:•i;:•:::;•::•:::�op. :::•::: -::Included;in.the Reg e:.:o . e:agency::: ;::'various.circumstarices ma•`.include :. :.:::::'::•PrOgre 'c I reerrients among evaluates;them a ainst:critena e -• y. •- •::::••:an agency the Council one or... 9 ... • local ovemments`:fndiantn published:by the•NatronalPark.Ser-::`.:•:::::: ro 9 ' :::::::•::::::c::.;::::::... more.SHl'Os,-ariiiothers : :::<;' .::.::.:� .. .•... ... . • .... . . . ...:..........p:. Per�yowners;other.membera ai::�:� �:�:�::: :::•:.�:::::::::::::::::::::.::::• .......:.:............... ..:. •::.vice:w ich.maintainsthe::Register::: :;:::;:•::::•ahe' ubl' .::grtd: .: ......::....:::.:::::::::::.:�::: ::::::::•:::::••::�•::::::c::•:•:;: :::•:=::;.;•::::.:•:::.. ......... . p the Council Cortsuit7H::.�:::•: : .t:......:if.!......iiii ................ ...: • "" un a'•art regulations:developed This evaluat,ort fs earned flut m con ::;: ;;;:lion fs desi ned Sito result In a Nlema- rP suitat,on with the SHPO,and if ques randum of Agreement{MOA) wh,ctt tiy:aiti ayenry and approved b}r the :aions ion:with eligibility of a.,._ ' ... ..-' :::::: ::: :::: o[ttimes;measures:agt;i upon hat :':: :. given;property,the.agency may seek 9 ncy:wit:taketoireduce avoid: :::::::::::::......:.::.:::. ...thee a ... :•a formal determinationof.eli ibii� :..''' " "' ' e:An:aereementtietweerithe.Council :.:::natior....eti ....::. ::: :•°.r m00.. a.ttta•adveise effect: ..14.. ...::.' ..: ; ;:;from:the`Secre y of ttie:Intenor:.if ae;:•:::::•some:cases:h faN . ..... .- ttie.ciitLng parties tna::•:::::::�:anda:State;....oi ti subs4tutes a property.hasalreadybeen included in a ...........................' ` """ ' State:review mforthe stand 9asures are civet.=:;.: s ::•:::•:ardSec6on 106review process the National Register,of• course,fur :: • abie;but that the adverse eff•ects must: ;.:;:::::::::::::;•:::::::;•:::::::•:•:::: .:•: :.: they evaluation is not ordinarily neces ::be accepted in the public:iriterest -' .:eer.. Sec io y .06.review ivese uat::.... ::::.:.;:•:::�::::;:::::::::•:::c;t;t•:::::......:::::..:.::::.::.::::•:;:::::::•::�:•:::•::• •::•: -.: ::::•.:::•::::::::.::.�...-..:........ ........ ..................... °treatment:to pro erties:that:have:al=::•:: ;;:. .....:..tati.... ......:.....0 ....r.•. :.;.: :::.: •: ::: ..........•::::::•::::: :•:::::::::: ,:,:::::.::: ::. .. ..........::...consultat,an proves.unproductve;:�::•::•::�:;�:::�::•:•:::::�:•::• :•::�:�::::;:: :::•:;� .;:::::.::::::::. - :::: :::::: • ready been included in•the Register..:..... the....a...y orthe`SH :.::::::::: . -.. . � .:• :::•::� :::;�:; •: ... __........ .. a9-�?h!, .,PO,ortheCoun-�::•::•::::::•:�:;•:•:•::_::•:::;•:::;•::�::::c:•::;�:•:::::�:::•:::....:::: ..:and those that are eligible for:in-:.::..;::::::::::::::iilitseif:ma :te 66su t �:. .:::::::•:::•:•:.:•::::::::•::•::::::::c:,.:::::•::'•::•:::::�:::•:::•:: ::..... . . . .:•:.. .tar... _ :•:: in:;.:::::•.x::.:'i•: .r...:.:y ..1'ttllrlate.c0119ultaL.•4..•:i:•ii::•isr:•::•::4:..?iiii:�ii!.::::::::: •. -...::::....`::::.:.._.:.:::elusion:::•:::::;•:::;:::::::::;:::::..:::.:...:::..:::::::.::::::::.T :::•:::::on :::::.::::::.::::::•::•:: •:::::•::.::::•::�:: : •::::•:he:egenoymusYsubmit:aPPropriato,....::::::::::.:::::::: •::•::•:.::.:.::::::::::::::::::::..:.:::...... ...... ................:::••••................................•documentation to.the:Count and: :::::. .................................................................. ............. ::.:::. ::::. •: :. • .::::.::::•::::: :•:•.Y.•::;:::::::;•:: nest the :::::::•::::•:•::•:i�:::::.:::::.::::::.�::•:�::::::::�::::�:•::: 4 unc�3rvrrtten�Comments:::;-:•:�:•:•::•::;;•:::•::•::;:::•:: :•::.::::::..-.•:::::•:::�:::::;;:;�::;;:;:::::: .�::: ............................................................... ........................... .............. w.._.. _ �_.._.. INTRODUCTION TO • FEDERAL PROJECTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION LAW R 4 FIVE-MINUTE LOOK SECTION IV:IMPLEMENTING THE SECTION 106 PROCESS IV-3 AT SECTION 106 • About the Council What is the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation? The 19-member Council is composed of a chairman,vice chairman,6 other private citizen members,a governor,and a mayor—all appointed by the President of the United States. The Council also includes the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture,the heads of four Federal agencies designated by the President,the Architect of the Capitol,the chairman of the National Trust for Historic Preservation,and the president of the National Con- ference of State Historic Preservation Officers. The Council members usually meet four times during the year. Day-to-day business of the Coun- cil involving Section 106 review is conducted by an executive director and a professional staff of historians,architects,archeologists,planners, lawyers,and administrative personneL • Section 106 participants Who initiates Section 106 review? The Federal agency involved in the proposed project or activity is responsible for initiating and completing the Section 106 review process. Under certain circumstances,local governmental bodies may act as the responsible agency. The agency works with the State Historic Preservation Officer(an official appointed in each State or territory to administer the national historic preservation program)and the Council to do so. In this fact sheet,the term"agency"is used to mean the responsible unit of government,be it Federal or local. There can be other participants in Section 106 review as well. At times, local governments,representatives of Indian tribes,applicants for Federal grants,licenses or permits,and others may join in the review process when it affects their interests or activities. • How long does Section 106 review take? The timetable for Steps 1 through 3(identification through consultation)are up to the agency,as the Council is not typically involved at this point. Once the agency sub- mits a signed MOA(with needed documentation)for Council review, that review can take up to 30 days. If there is no MOA,the agency can re- quest issuance of Council comments within 60 days of when the Council receives required documentation. For more information Where is more information available? This brief look at Section 106 review cannot tell the whole story. For complete information about the Council's review process,consult the Council's regulations at 36 CFR Part 800,published September 2,1986.[51 FR 31115] The Council has available without charge an annotated version of its regulations,which aids understanding of the regulatory language,as well as a booklet en- titled Section 104 Step-by-Step,which provides a more detailed introduc- tory look at the review process. A complete list of publications in the "Working with Section 106"series is available from the Council. PARTICIPANTS DESK REFERENCE - IV-4 SECTION IV:IMPLEMENTING THE SECTION 106 PROC'P S FIVE-MINUTE LOOK AT SECTION 106 For easy-to-understand training on Section 106 review,the Council offers a 3-day course,"Introduction to Federal Projects and Historic Preserva- tion Law,"which is offered in many locations around the country each year. The course is designed for the Section 106 novice and explains, step-by-step,what actions are required by Federal,State,and local offi- cials to meet the requirements of the law. For more information,please write the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation,1100 Pennsylvania Avenue,NW.,Suite 809,Washington, DC 20004. Telephone:(202)786-0503(executive offices)and(202)786- 0505(Section 106 review and training offices). • Revised Apri11989 • • • • INTRODUCTION TO FEDERAL PROJECTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION LAW HANDOUT-NTHPANNUAL MEETING CITIZEN PARTICIPATION HOW CITIZENS CAN PARTICIPATE IN SECTION 106 REVIEW YOUR VOICE COUNTS! Use it, through Section 106 review This handout acquaints you with the Section 106 review process,the Federal Government's regulatory process that helps protect historic properties from needless harm due to Federal actions. The process is ad- ministered by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation,an inde- pendent Federal agency. Section 106 review is so named because it was established under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966(NHPA),the law which broadly established Federal historic preservation policy. This handout explains how you can use this law to help protect historic properties in your community,provides you with a handy list of defini- tions;and directs you toward other useful information and organizations. Q&A Q:If a federally assisted project A: Absolutely! In fact,the Section 106 review process puts ordinary threatens a historic property in my citizens in a key position to influence decisionmakers. Opportunities for area, is there anything I can do? vigorous public participation are built right into the process. On many oc- casions strong local opinion about a Federal or federally assisted action harmful to historic properties has catalyzed efforts to avoid or reduce such harm. Q:Will my personal opinion be A: Yes,it really will. At each step of the process,there are ways a citizen heard? can object or question,comment,and participate. These are explained below. Q:When does Section 106 apply? A: Two things must be present. First,there must be a Federal"undertaking,"or activity,as defined in the Council's regulations(36 CFR Part 800). An estimated 75,000 Federal activities enter the purview of Section 106 at some level each year. Some examples are transportation-related construction,community development,and ground-disturbing activities such as powerline installation,as well as many Federal licensing and per- mitting activities. Second,there must be historic properties in the area of the undertaking. "Historic property"means any property listed in or eligible for the Na- ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION 1 HANDOUT:NTHP ANNUAL MEETING CITIZEN PARTICIPATION Q: When should I get involved? A: Early involvement is the key to having an effective voice in the Sec- tion 106 process. Be alert to news of planned Federal activities in your area,and contact the responsible Federal agency and your SHPO early to let them know you are concerned about how historic properties might be affected. Q: What can I expect to A:Foremost,your voice will be heard as Federal Government policy is accomplish as a citizen par- carried out in your area. You may be able to help ensure the protection ticipant? of historic properties that you value. Ultimately,even if you disagree with the outcome-of.the.review process you will.understancl how and-why.. • decisions were reached. Q: Where can I get more informa- A: The Council publishes two brief items about Section 106 review that Lion about Section 106? are of interest to the general reader. Both"A Five-Minute Look at Sec- tion 106 Review,"and Section 106,Step-by-Step are available from the Council at no charge,as is a list of State Historic Preservation Officer ad- dresses.Technical publications and copies of the Council's regulations are also offered,as is a formal schedule of Section 106 training courses. Write Council headquarters for details. Q: How much citizen participa- A: You have a responsibility to make your views known where threats to tion is enough? historic properties are concerned. Federal agencies try to anticipate an appropriate degree of public involvement by weighing the type and scale of an undertaking,the historic properties it involves,and the nature of known or expected public interests. A small-scale project located where there are believed to be no historic properties,for example,would not be expected to draw the same level of public interest as the projected demolition of buildings within a historic district. But agencies can misjudge,and it is up to the local citizens to make their views known. Q:What happens if an agency fails A:While Section 106 does not compel preservation solutions,it does re- to complete the Section 106 quire Federal agencies to go through the process before approving an un- process? dertaking. Failure to do so leaves the agency liable to litigation. Citizen groups representing local preservation interests can sue agencies in Federal court and,if successful,halt the action until the agency complies with the law. HOW CITIZENS PARTICIPATE IN SECTION 106 REVIEW Th'-r-e are five steps in the review process,which are completed by the Federal agency in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Of- ficer(SHPO) and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Citizens may interject their views throughout the process,as noted at the bullets below. When you contact government officials about an undertaking--whether you are writing to the agency,SHPO,or Council--be sure to specify the ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION 3 HANDOUT:NTHPANNUAL MEETING CITIZEN PARTICIPATION sidered as a MOA is drafted. STEP 4: When a MOA has been signed by the Council,it serves as the Council's COUNCIL COMMENT comment. If consulting parties cannot agree(which rarely happens),con- sultation may be terminated,and the agency may request written Council comments directly. a In the caseof-terminationrcitizens•may express their views on the undertaking to the Council. The Council takes local views into ac- __ count in formulating comments to the responsible Federal agency. STEP 5: The agency proceeds with Its undertaking under the terms of the MOA PROCEED, TAKING COUNCIL or,in the absence of a MOA,after giving due consideration to the COMMENT INTO Council's written comments. CONSIDERATION a The agency should notify interested persons when the Section 106 review process has been completed. ■ Should the agency fail to fully complete Section 106 review or to ful- fill the terms of the MOA,the agency may be liable for a lawsuit. SOME SPECIAL TIPS a Get to know your SHPO,who can be your greatest preservation ally. is Read the Section 106 regulations(36 CFR Part 800). They are free from the Council. ■ Ask the responsible Federal agency for current project documenta- tion. Be aware that,if necessary,you maybe able to obtain project in- formation under the Freedom of Information Act. a Determine whether you are an"interested person"qualified to join the Section 106 consultation;if so,make a written request to the Federal agency. • ■ Inform your elected officials of your views on the preservation is- sues and seek their support. ■ If you propose project alternatives during consultation,bear in mind the Federal agency's overall objectives. ■ Mobi1i7 local support. Work with the news media to keep the com- munity informed,to ensure attendance at public information meet- . ings,and to report on citizens'views. ■ Know your legal rights. ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION 5 HANDOUT:NTHP ANNUAL MEETING CITIZEN PARTICIPATION • FOR MORE INFORMATION The Council's professional staff conducts the agency's daily business. Offices are located at these addresses: Western project inquiries (only): Advisory Council on Historic Preservation,Western Office of Project Review,730 Simms Street,#401,Golden,CO 80401 Telephone(303) 231-5320 Headquarters: . ._.. Advisory C nnril.on.Historic.PreservationrThe.Old Post Office Building,• 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue,NW.,#809,Washington,DC 20004. Telephone(202)606-8503,executive offices;(202)606-8505,Section 106 review offices. October 1992 • ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION 7