A process that will streamline historic review requirements under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) for almost 200,000 bridges nationwide saving approximately $78 million has been put in place by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) in concert with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other agencies.

Upon the twentieth anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, the ACHP issued a report on how the national preservation program might be improved. 

An important part of the ACHP mission statement is to advise the President and Congress on historic preservation matters. The ACHP also provides evaluations and recommendations on how federal programs can make better use of historic preservation tools and techniques as federal agencies carry out their missions. These efforts focus on strategies to effectively combine the stewardship of the nation’s heritage with other national goals.

Mrs. Laura Bush, honorary chair of the Preserve America initiative, led a national Preserve America Summit October 18-20, 2006, in New Orleans, Louisiana, marking the 40th anniversary of the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation was a partner and served as Summit coordinator. In August 2007, the ACHP issued recommendations based on the issues raised at the Summit.

Report prepared pursuant to Section 213 of the National Historic Preservation Act for the Old Patent Office Building National Historic Landmark, Washington, DC.

The Federal Government has undertaken various efforts to revitalize central cities, which have historically served as centers for growth and commerce in metropolitan areas. Executive Order 13006 directs federal agencies to utilize and maintain, wherever operationally appropriate and economically prudent, historic properties and districts, especially those located in central business areas.

It is vitally important for federal agencies to effectively monitor the expiration dates of Section 106 memoranda of agreement or programmatic agreements (MOAs/PAs). If necessary, this includes coordinating the drafting, commenting, and execution of amendments to the duration stipulation prior to the agreement’s expiration. Once an agreement expires, it cannot be amended, even to extend its duration – quite simply, no agreement to amend exists following expiration.

Memorandum of Agreement for the Lease Construction - MAL92600 U.S. Probation & Corps of Engineers Building 201 St. Michael Street, Mobile, Alabama (1993)   Original MOA Agreement (1993) Amendment #1 to MOA (1993)