The most important federal provisions protecting historic and cultural resources face an unprecedented threat. On November 9th, the U.S. Senate is scheduled to take up a proposed bill (Senate Bill 5653) that will substantially weaken public input and required efforts to minimize and mitigate harmful impacts to historic sites by federally funded projects.
Called Section 106, these consultation requirements have a track record of success. Most projects move forward while the public is made aware of potential impacts in their communities. However, the proposed changes will significantly weaken Section 106, ultimately causing more delays rather than expediting construction. Our biggest concerns about these changes are that:
- Public input as “consulting parties” will be cut out of the Section 106 process.
- The bill substantially narrows what can be reviewed and what constitutes harm to historic and cultural resources.
- Federal agencies can decide for themselves that “other considerations” outweigh historic preservation needs.
- Many Native American sites of cultural significance will no longer be considered through this review process.
Please contact your Senators as soon as possible and ask them to oppose this bill. It’s a bad deal for preservation and for our critically important heritage tourism economy:
Senator Kaine’s Online Contact Form
Senator Warner’s Online Contact Form
Keep in mind that the bill the Senate plans to vote on is a second front in the attack on federal historic preservation provisions. There also are proposed changes by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation that would also weaken Section 106. Preservation Virginia has signed on with 1,000 other organizations across the United States to join the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Cultural Heritage Partners, and Preservation Action on a coordinated defense of Section 106.
Also, the 106 Strong Coalition is organizing a rally in Washington D.C. for the morning of November 9th. If you’re part of a local historical society or preservation organization, please consider participating in this rare opportunity to gather with preservation colleagues in the nation’s capital. If you plan on attending, please register online.
Please help defend our key policy protections for historic and cultural resources in the Commonwealth and nation. We can’t do it without you, so thank you as always for your support.