Review and Compliance/Section 106
Stimulus Funding
On March 26, 2009 the federal government’s Office of Management and Budget issued guidance that recognizes compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) is required for Recovery Act projects. This means that federal agencies must consider the potential impact of Recovery Act projects, like all federal funding, on historic properties. Consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office is part of the federal agency process. If you will be submitting a Recovery Act project for SHPO review, please read and follow the instructions for the Project Review Form and fill it out completely to insure a timely turn around. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please be advised: with the influx of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) projects we are taking our full 30 days to review. Please plan accordingly so that you can meet your deadlines. There will be no exceptions or rush reviews.
Governor Mark Sanford has appointed Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom as chairman of the South Carolina Stimulus Oversight, Accountability and Coordination Task Force. For more information see this website: http://www.stimulus.sc.gov, which includes links to information about how specific funds are being allocated in South Carolina.
National preservation organizations have also created websites about the economic stimulus funding.
Although the legal power to protect historic buildings, structures, sites, and districts rests primarily with local governments, federal and state laws provide some protection for historic properties affected by projects that involve federal or certain state funds, permits, or licenses. Under these federal and state laws, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) helps federal and state agencies and applicants identify historic properties listed in or eligible for the National Register, evaluate the impacts of proposed projects on them, and avoid or minimize negative impacts.
The Department of Transportation excavates a Mississippian Native American archaeological site in North Augusta, SC