The following resources provide strategies for handling infrastructure Section 106 reviews specific to federal agencies or project types. They include Section 106 program alternatives that tailor the requirements of the regulations for particular situations.
Additional resources for infrastructure project reviews
The ACHP serves as a source of technical assistance for federal historic preservation reviews. The ACHP is available to advise federal agencies on new developments and innovative approaches available in addressing Section 106 compliance. Federal agencies have also developed their own resources tailored to the types of projects they carry out or assist. The links below highlight agency- or project type-specific strategies and guidance.
- ACHP-FHWA Partnership for Research and Innovation
- FHWA Environmental Toolkit (historic preservation)
- Federal Oversight and Assistance for Shale Gas Development and Section 106
- What About a Wind Farm Project Triggers Section 106?
Program Alternatives
Program Alternatives available in the ACHP’s regulations (36 CFR 800.14) are being used effectively for several types of infrastructure projects already. The following list includes those executed or issued on a nationwide basis. Statewide or regional Programmatic Agreements may also cover certain infrastructure projects.
- Interstate Highway Exemption
- Historic Natural Gas Pipeline Exemption
- Program Comment for Actions Affecting Post-1945 Concrete and Steel Bridges
- Program Comment for Communications Projects on Federal Lands and Property
- Program Comment for Positive Train Control
- Program Comment for Wireless Communications Facilities
- Program Comment to Exempt Consideration of Rail Properties within Rail Rights-of-Way
- Federal Communications Commission Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Telecommunications Projects
- Federal Communications Commission Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Collocation of Wireless Antennas
- Bureau of Land Management National Programmatic Agreement
- Rural Development National Programmatic Agreement for Sequencing Section 106
Broadband and Communications Initiatives
The ACHP has worked with several federal agencies in recent years to make Section 106 reviews for wireless and broadband deployment more consistent and timely through the development of program alternatives. These include:
- Federal Communications Commission Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Collocation of Wireless Antennas
- Federal Communications Commission Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Telecommunications Projects
- Program Comment for Wireless Communications Facilities
- Program Comment for Positive Train Control
- Program Comment for Communications Projects on Federal Lands and Property
Communications undertakings that involve federal land or property managing agencies are not covered by FCC’s Nationwide Programmatic Agreements [nPAs]. Therefore, licensees and applicants must consult directly with the federal land or property managing agency to obtain a special use permit or other approval to construct wireless communication projects. A Program Comment bridges the gap between procedures in the two FCC nPAs and undertakings on federal property to create a consistent approach for all broadband infrastructure.
Read more about Broadband Infrastructure and Section 106 Review.