This week, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) Chair, Sara Bronin, on behalf of the ACHP, submitted letters urging Congress to reject provisions included in 15 bills that would exempt certain types of infrastructure projects from reviews required under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The ACHP has consistently advised against the use of legislative exemptions. These letters went to leadership of relevant committees and other key members of Congress. 11 of the bills deal with broadband deployment, while others focus on energy development, and the semiconductor industry.

Section 106 of the NHPA provides fundamental protections for historic and cultural resources. It requires federal agencies to consider the impact federal projects have on historic properties through consultation with stakeholders and public input. As Chair Bronin notes in the letters, the regulations that implement Section 106 already provide powerful tools, like programmatic agreements, that help to streamline projects while still providing for the consideration of historic resources. Chair Bronin reiterated the ACHP's continued commitment to work with federal agencies to explore the possibility of program alternatives, highlighting a recent programmatic agreement on broadband construction that will expediate projects while minimizing impacts to historic resources.

These letters also note that the federal permitting process could be dramatically improved and streamlined by increasing funding for State and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers which would enhance capacity and increase efficiency.

While we recognize the goals of many of these bills to speed up infrastructure projects, legislative exemptions like the provisions included in these bills are harmful, unnecessary, and undermine critical protections provided by the NHPA. Preservation Action appreciates the leadership of the ACHP in advising Congress to reject these provisions and their commitment to work with federal agencies on program alternatives. Learn more about these provisions and letters submitted by the ACHP.

The National Park Service announced they are now accepting applications for the Underrepresented Communities grant program, which is works towards diversifying listings on the National Register of Historic Places and the African American Civil Rights grant program, which preserves sites and stories that help tell the long struggle for African American civil rights. Both of these important grant programs are funded through the Historic Preservation Fund.

The Underrepresented Communities grant program supports the survey, inventory, or nomination of new sites or amending of previous listings to the National Register or as a National Historic Landmark, that help tell the stories of communities that are currently underrepresented. National Park Service takes a broad view on the definition of underrepresented, and looks for that case to be made in the application. The Underrepresented Communities grant program was established in 2014 and since inception, has awarded $7.5 million in grants to help diversify nominations to the National Register. Currently $1.25 million is available in funding through the program. Applications are due August 29, 2024.

The African American Civil Rights grant program documents, interprets, and preserves sites and stories related to the African American struggle to gain equal rights, from the transatlantic slave trade and onward. These grants fund a broad range of preservation projects including survey and inventory, National Register nominations, oral histories and more and do not require a funding match. Grants are split into two different opportunities, "preservation projects" and "history projects". Currently $24 million is available in funding through the program. Applications are due September 05, 2024.

The National Park Service is also still accepting applications for the History of Equal Rights grant program, which helps preserve sites related to the struggle to achieve equal rights in America. Applications for these grants are due August 20, 2024.

Together these grants are helping to preserve places that tell a more diverse and inclusive American story. Preservation Action continues to advocate for increased support for all of these important programs. Learn more about these opportunities and apply today!

As the national grassroots advocacy and lobbying organization for historic preservation, it's important to us that we hear from YOU, the grassroots preservation community. 

No matter your membership status, we would love for you to take a couple of minutes (really, it takes maybe 2!) to tell us what's important to you in your work as well as share your input on Preservation Action. 

You don't need to share your name or any identifying information. This is your last chance to participate in the survey. Responses are due TODAY, June 7th.

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Georgia: "City of Atlanta Lacking Funding for Historic Preservation, Advocates Call for a Change"