CITE
16 USC Sec. 470h-2 01/08/2008
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TITLE 16 - CONSERVATION
CHAPTER 1A - HISTORIC SITES, BUILDINGS, OBJECTS, AND ANTIQUITIES
SUBCHAPTER II - NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Part A - Programs
HEAD
Sec. 470h-2. Historic properties owned or controlled by Federal
agencies
STATUTE
(a) Responsibilities of Federal agencies; program for
identification, evaluation, nomination, and protection
(1) The heads of all Federal agencies shall assume responsibility
for the preservation of historic properties which are owned or
controlled by such agency. Prior to acquiring, constructing, or
leasing buildings for purposes of carrying out agency
responsibilities, each Federal agency shall use, to the maximum
extent feasible, historic properties available to the agency, in
accordance with Executive Order No. 13006, issued May 21, 1996 (61
Fed. Reg. 26071). Each agency shall undertake, consistent with the
preservation of such properties and the mission of the agency and
the professional standards established pursuant to section 470a(g)
of this title, any preservation, as may be necessary to carry out
this section.
(2) Each Federal agency shall establish (unless exempted pursuant
to section 470v of this title), in consultation with the Secretary,
a preservation program for the identification, evaluation, and
nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, and
protection of historic properties. Such program shall ensure -
(A) that historic properties under the jurisdiction or control
of the agency, are identified, evaluated, and nominated to the
National Register;
(B) that such properties under the jurisdiction or control of
the agency as are listed in or may be eligible for the National
Register are managed and maintained in a way that considers the
preservation of their historic, archaeological, architectural,
and cultural values in compliance with section 470f of this title
and gives special consideration to the preservation of such
values in the case of properties designated as having National
significance;
(C) that the preservation of properties not under the
jurisdiction or control of the agency, but subject to be
potentially affected by agency actions are given full
consideration in planning;
(D) that the agency's preservation-related activities are
carried out in consultation with other Federal, State, and local
agencies, Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations carrying
out historic preservation planning activities, and with the
private sector; and
(E) that the agency's procedures for compliance with section
470f of this title -
(i) are consistent with regulations issued by the Council
pursuant to section 470s of this title;
(ii) provide a process for the identification and evaluation
of historic properties for listing in the National Register and
the development and implementation of agreements, in
consultation with State Historic Preservation Officers, local
governments, Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and
the interested public, as appropriate, regarding the means by
which adverse effects on such properties will be considered;
and
(iii) provide for the disposition of Native American cultural
items from Federal or tribal land in a manner consistent with
section 3002(c) of title 25.
(b) Records on historic properties to be altered or demolished;
deposit in Library of Congress or other appropriate agency
Each Federal agency shall initiate measures to assure that where,
as a result of Federal action or assistance carried out by such
agency, an historic property is to be substantially altered or
demolished, timely steps are taken to make or have made appropriate
records, and that such records then be deposited, in accordance
with section 470a(a) of this title, in the Library of Congress or
with such other appropriate agency as may be designated by the
Secretary, for future use and reference.
(c) Agency Preservation Officer; responsibilities; qualifications
The head of each Federal agency shall, unless exempted under
section 470v of this title, designate a qualified official to be
known as the agency's "preservation officer" who shall be
responsible for coordinating that agency's activities under this
subchapter. Each Preservation Officer may, in order to be
considered qualified, satisfactorily complete an appropriate
training program established by the Secretary under section 470a(h)
of this title.
(d) Agency programs and projects
Consistent with the agency's missions and mandates, all Federal
agencies shall carry out agency programs and projects (including
those under which any Federal assistance is provided or any Federal
license, permit, or other approval is required) in accordance with
the purposes of this subchapter and, give consideration to programs
and projects which will further the purposes of this subchapter.
(e) Review of plans of transferees of surplus federally owned
historic properties
The Secretary shall review and approve the plans of transferees
of surplus federally owned historic properties not later than
ninety days after his receipt of such plans to ensure that the
prehistorical, historical, architectural, or culturally significant
values will be preserved or enhanced.
(f) Planning and actions to minimize harm to National Historic
Landmarks
Prior to the approval of any Federal undertaking which may
directly and adversely affect any National Historic Landmark, the
head of the responsible Federal agency shall, to the maximum extent
possible, undertake such planning and actions as may be necessary
to minimize harm to such landmark, and shall afford the Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation a reasonable opportunity to
comment on the undertaking.
(g) Costs of preservation as eligible project costs
Each Federal agency may include the costs of preservation
activities of such agency under this subchapter as eligible project
costs in all undertakings of such agency or assisted by such
agency. The eligible project costs may also include amounts paid by
a Federal agency to any State to be used in carrying out such
preservation responsibilities of the Federal agency under this
subchapter, and reasonable costs may be charged to Federal
licensees and permittees as a condition to the issuance of such
license or permit.
(h) Annual preservation awards program
The Secretary shall establish an annual preservation awards
program under which he may make monetary awards in amounts of not
to exceed $1,000 and provide citations for special achievement to
officers and employees of Federal, State, and certified local
governments in recognition of their outstanding contributions to
the preservation of historic resources. Such program may include
the issuance of annual awards by the President of the United States
to any citizen of the United States recommended for such award by
the Secretary.
(i) Environmental impact statement
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to require the
preparation of an environmental impact statement where such a
statement would not otherwise be required under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 [42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.], and
nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to provide any
exemption from any requirement respecting the preparation of such a
statement under such Act.
(j) Waiver of provisions in event of natural disaster or imminent
threat to national security
The Secretary shall promulgate regulations under which the
requirements of this section may be waived in whole or in part in
the event of a major natural disaster or an imminent threat to the
national security.
(k) Assistance for adversely affected historic property
Each Federal agency shall ensure that the agency will not grant a
loan, loan guarantee, permit, license, or other assistance to an
applicant who, with intent to avoid the requirements of section
470f of this title, has intentionally significantly adversely
affected a historic property to which the grant would relate, or
having legal power to prevent it, allowed such significant adverse
effect to occur, unless the agency, after consultation with the
Council, determines that circumstances justify granting such
assistance despite the adverse effect created or permitted by the
applicant.
(l) Documentation of decisions respecting undertakings
With respect to any undertaking subject to section 470f of this
title which adversely affects any property included in or eligible
for inclusion in the National Register, and for which a Federal
agency has not entered into an agreement pursuant to regulations
issued by the Council, the head of such agency shall document any
decision made pursuant to section 470f of this title. The head of
such agency may not delegate his or her responsibilities pursuant
to such section. Where a section 106 [16 U.S.C. 470f] memorandum of
agreement has been executed with respect to an undertaking, such
memorandum shall govern the undertaking and all of its parts.
SOURCE
(Pub. L. 89-665, title I, Sec. 110, as added Pub. L. 96-515, title
II, Sec. 206, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2996; amended Pub. L. 102-
575, title XL, Secs. 4006(b), 4012, Oct. 30, 1992, 106 Stat. 4757,
4760; Pub. L. 106-208, Secs. 4, 5(a)(8), May 26, 2000, 114 Stat.
318, 319; Pub. L. 108-352, Sec. 13, Oct. 21, 2004, 118 Stat. 1397.)
REFERENCES IN TEXT
Executive Order No. 13006, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is set
out as a note under section 3306 of Title 40, Public Buildings,
Property, and Works.
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in
subsec. (i), is Pub. L. 91-190, Jan. 1, 1970, 83 Stat. 852, as
amended, which is classified generally to chapter 55 (Sec. 4321 et
seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set
out under section 4321 of Title 42 and Tables.
AMENDMENTS
2004 - Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 108-352 amended directory language of
Pub. L. 106-208, Sec. 5(a)(8). See 2000 Amendment note below.
2000 - Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 106-208, Sec. 4, substituted
"agency, in accordance with Executive Order No. 13006, issued May
21, 1996 (61 Fed. Reg. 26071)." for "agency." in second sentence.
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 106-208, Sec. 5(a)(8), as amended by Pub. L.
108-352, substituted "pursuant to regulations issued by the
Council" for "with the Council",.
1992 - Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102-575, Sec. 4012(1), substituted
"section 470a(g)" for "section 470a(f)".
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 102-575, Sec. 4012(2), amended par. (2)
generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "With the
advice of the Secretary and in cooperation with the State historic
preservation officer for the State involved, each Federal agency
shall establish a program to locate, inventory, and nominate to the
Secretary all properties under the agency's ownership or control by
the agency, that appear to qualify for inclusion on the National
Register in accordance with the regulations promulgated under
section 470a(a)(2)(A) of this title. Each Federal agency shall
exercise caution to assure that any such property that might
qualify for inclusion is not inadvertently transferred, sold,
demolished, substantially altered, or allowed to deteriorate
significantly."
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102-575, Sec. 4006(b), substituted "section
470a(h)" for "section 470a(g)".
Subsecs. (k), (l). Pub. L. 102-575, Sec. 4012(3), added subsecs.
(k) and (l).
EXECUTIVE ORDER
EX. ORD. NO. 13287. PRESERVE AMERICA
Ex. Ord. No. 13287, Mar. 3, 2003, 68 F.R. 10635, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution
and the laws of the United States of America, including the
National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.) (NHPA)
and the National Environmental Policy Act [of 1969] (42 U.S.C. 4321
et seq.), it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Statement of Policy. It is the policy of the Federal
Government to provide leadership in preserving America's heritage
by actively advancing the protection, enhancement, and contemporary
use of the historic properties owned by the Federal Government, and
by promoting intergovernmental cooperation and partnerships for the
preservation and use of historic properties. The Federal Government
shall recognize and manage the historic properties in its ownership
as assets that can support department and agency missions while
contributing to the vitality and economic well-being of the
Nation's communities and fostering a broader appreciation for the
development of the United States and its underlying values. Where
consistent with executive branch department and agency missions,
governing law, applicable preservation standards, and where
appropriate, executive branch departments and agencies ("agency" or
"agencies") shall advance this policy through the protection and
continued use of the historic properties owned by the Federal
Government, and by pursuing partnerships with State and local
governments, Indian tribes, and the private sector to promote the
preservation of the unique cultural heritage of communities and of
the Nation and to realize the economic benefit that these
properties can provide. Agencies shall maximize efforts to
integrate the policies, procedures, and practices of the NHPA and
this order into their program activities in order to efficiently
and effectively advance historic preservation objectives in the
pursuit of their missions.
Sec. 2. Building Preservation Partnerships. When carrying out its
mission activities, each agency, where consistent with its mission
and governing authorities, and where appropriate, shall seek
partnerships with State and local governments, Indian tribes, and
the private sector to promote local economic development and
vitality through the use of historic properties in a manner that
contributes to the long-term preservation and productive use of
those properties. Each agency shall examine its policies,
procedures, and capabilities to ensure that its actions encourage,
support, and foster public-private initiatives and investment in
the use, reuse, and rehabilitation of historic properties, to the
extent such support is not inconsistent with other provisions of
law, the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Archeology and
Historic Preservation, and essential national department and agency
mission requirements.
Sec. 3. Improving Federal Agency Planning and Accountability. (a)
Accurate information on the state of Federally owned historic
properties is essential to achieving the goals of this order and to
promoting community economic development through local
partnerships. Each agency with real property management
responsibilities shall prepare an assessment of the current status
of its inventory of historic properties required by section
110(a)(2) of the NHPA (16 U.S.C. 470h-2(a)(2)), the general
condition and management needs of such properties, and the steps
underway or planned to meet those management needs. The assessment
shall also include an evaluation of the suitability of the agency's
types of historic properties to contribute to community economic
development initiatives, including heritage tourism, taking into
account agency mission needs, public access considerations, and the
long-term preservation of the historic properties. No later than
September 30, 2004, each covered agency shall complete a report of
the assessment and make it available to the Chairman of the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (Council) and the
Secretary of the Interior (Secretary).
(b) No later than September 30, 2004, each agency with real
property management responsibilities shall review its regulations,
management policies, and operating procedures for compliance with
sections 110 and 111 of the NHPA (16 U.S.C. 470h-2 & 470-3) and
make the results of its review available to the Council and the
Secretary. If the agency determines that its regulations,
management policies, and operating procedures are not in compliance
with those authorities, the agency shall make amendments or
revisions to bring them into compliance.
(c) Each agency with real property management responsibilities
shall, by September 30, 2005, and every third year thereafter,
prepare a report on its progress in identifying, protecting, and
using historic properties in its ownership and make the report
available to the Council and the Secretary. The Council shall
incorporate this data into a report on the state of the Federal
Government's historic properties and their contribution to local
economic development and submit this report to the President by
February 15, 2006, and every third year thereafter.
(d) Agencies may use existing information gathering and reporting
systems to fulfill the assessment and reporting requirements of
subsections 3(a)-(c) of this order. To assist agencies, the
Council, in consultation with the Secretary, shall, by September
30, 2003, prepare advisory guidelines for agencies to use at their
discretion.
(e) No later than June 30, 2003, the head of each agency shall
designate a senior policy level official to have policy oversight
responsibility for the agency's historic preservation program and
notify the Council and the Secretary of the designation. This
senior official shall be an assistant secretary, deputy assistant
secretary, or the equivalent, as appropriate to the agency
organization. This official, or a subordinate employee reporting
directly to the official, shall serve as the agency's Federal
Preservation Officer in accordance with section 110(c) of the NHPA.
The senior official shall ensure that the Federal Preservation
Officer is qualified consistent with guidelines established by the
Secretary for that position and has access to adequate expertise
and support to carry out the duties of the position.
Sec. 4. Improving Federal Stewardship of Historic Properties. (a)
Each agency shall ensure that the management of historic properties
in its ownership is conducted in a manner that promotes the long-
term preservation and use of those properties as Federal assets
and, where consistent with agency missions, governing law, and the
nature of the properties, contributes to the local community and
its economy.
(b) Where consistent with agency missions and the Secretary of
the Interior's Standards for Archeology and Historic Preservation,
and where appropriate, agencies shall cooperate with communities to
increase opportunities for public benefit from, and access to,
Federally owned historic properties.
(c) The Council is directed to use its existing authority to
encourage and accept donations of money, equipment, and other
resources from public and private parties to assist other agencies
in the preservation of historic properties in Federal ownership to
fulfill the goals of the NHPA and this order.
(d) The National Park Service, working with the Council and in
consultation with other agencies, shall make available existing
materials and information for education, training, and awareness of
historic property stewardship to ensure that all Federal personnel
have access to information and can develop the skills necessary to
continue the productive use of Federally owned historic properties
while meeting their stewardship responsibilities.
(e) The Council, in consultation with the National Park Service
and other agencies, shall encourage and recognize exceptional
achievement by such agencies in meeting the goals of the NHPA and
this order. By March 31, 2004, the Council shall submit to the
President and the heads of agencies recommendations to further
stimulate initiative, creativity, and efficiency in the Federal
stewardship of historic properties.
Sec. 5. Promoting Preservation Through Heritage Tourism.
(a) To the extent permitted by law and within existing resources,
the Secretary of Commerce, working with the Council and other
agencies, shall assist States, Indian tribes, and local communities
in promoting the use of historic properties for heritage tourism
and related economic development in a manner that contributes to
the long-term preservation and productive use of those properties.
Such assistance shall include efforts to strengthen and improve
heritage tourism activities throughout the country as they relate
to Federally owned historic properties and significant natural
assets on Federal lands.
(b) Where consistent with agency missions and governing law, and
where appropriate, agencies shall use historic properties in their
ownership in conjunction with State, tribal, and local tourism
programs to foster viable economic partnerships, including, but not
limited to, cooperation and coordination with tourism officials and
others with interests in the properties.
Sec. 6. National and Homeland Security Considerations.
Nothing in this order shall be construed to require any agency to
take any action or disclose any information that would conflict
with or compromise national and homeland security goals, policies,
programs, or activities.
Sec. 7. Definitions. For the purposes of this order, the term
"historic property" means any prehistoric or historic district,
site, building, structure, and object included on or eligible for
inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in accordance
with section 301(5) of the NHPA (16 U.S.C. 470w(5)). The term
"heritage tourism" means the business and practice of attracting
and accommodating visitors to a place or area based especially on
the unique or special aspects of that locale's history, landscape
(including trail systems), and culture. The terms "Federally owned"
and "in Federal ownership," and similar terms, as used in this
order, do not include properties acquired by agencies as a result
of foreclosure or similar actions and that are held for a period of
less than 5 years.
Sec. 8. Judicial Review. This order is intended only to improve
the internal management of the Federal Government and it is not
intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive
or procedural, enforceable at law or equity by a party against the
United States, its departments, agencies, instrumentalities or
entities, its officers or employees, or any other person.
George W. Bush.