Section 3: Specialized Public Involvement—Cultural Resources
Anchor: #i1005378Overview
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires that special care be taken when potential historic and/or archeological resources are involved in a transportation project.
Anchor: #i1005388Identify Interested Parties
For projects involving historical resources and archeological sites, districts should identify and coordinate with interested parties early in the project planning process.
For historical resources, the following are possible interested parties:
- county historical commissions (districts are responsible for contacting county historical commissions in writing whenever buildings, objects or structures more than 50 years old are located in or adjacent to a project area)
- local or regional preservation groups and organizations (where applicable)
- city governments that serve as certified local governments
- city historic preservation officers and/or landmark commissions
(where applicable).
NOTE: ENV has an up-to-date list of local interested parties in Texas.
For archeological sites, and/or human remains, interested parties may include:
- archeological stewards
- local archeological societies
- federally recognized Indian tribes.
Correspond with Interested Parties
When projects adversely affect historic properties (buildings, structures, objects, districts, landscapes, etc.) TxDOT must consult interested parties (as defined above) in writing whenever a proposed transportation project is expected to adversely affect those properties. Typically these are projects that propose to remove, relocate and/or demolish part or all of a historic building, structure or object.
When projects involve archeological sites, TxDOT must contact those interested to receive input concerning the significance of archeological sites and properties.
Anchor: #i1005465Letter Content
Written correspondence must include:
- basic project information
- a map showing the project limits
- location of any historic properties already identified through reconnaissance/intensive surveys and/or record searches
- a request for information about historic properties and their historic significance
- input about the project’s potential to affect significant historic properties.
Letter Transmittal
TxDOT districts should send letters by certified mail and provide interested parties with at least a 30-days to respond.
Anchor: #i1005510Respond to Interested Parties
If an interested party requests additional information or voices concerns about a project, then further coordination with that party should continue either through written correspondence, telephone conversations and/or informal or formal meetings.
NOTE: All correspondence with interested parties should be included in the environmental document (or incorporated by reference).
Anchor: #i1005526Inform the Public
Whenever a project will have an adverse effect on historic buildings, structures, objects or other built features determined to be National Register eligible, TxDOT must provide the general public with an opportunity to receive information and express their views about the potential effects.