Section 2: Environmental Steps
Anchor: #i1001436Adaptive Use Evaluation
A statement of historic significance is developed by the Environmental Affairs Division. The Historic Bridge Team (HBT) requests a preliminary structural evaluation and develops a preservation feasibility analysis of the historic bridge. The two preceding steps (Historically Significant Bridges and Historic Bridge Team Formation) should be performed as early as possible in the preliminary engineering/environmental analysis process. See the HBT Task List for information on potential work items and deliverables from the Historic Bridge Team:
|
Step |
Action |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Develop statement of historic significance. |
| 2 |
The Historic Bridge Team will usually need to locate and review available construction plans and review BRINSAP records. |
| 3 |
Perform structural analysis for intended use. |
| 4 |
Perform a site visit to confirm or establish the following:
|
| 5 |
Preliminary cost estimates for:
|
| 6 |
Prepare and present a brief report (see a sample) on findings to the district, and to the Bridge and Environmental Affairs divisions.
|
Anchor: #i1001450
Section 4(f) Evaluation
When a programmatic or full Section 4(f) evaluation is needed, the district, with assistance from ENV, prepares the necessary documentation for submittal to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as early as possible. An adverse effect is approved only when there is no feasible and prudent alternative to the action that will result in the adverse effect. This analysis of alternatives is part of the required documentation for both full and programmatic Section 4(f) evaluations. Examples of the programmatic Section 4(f) evaluation are included here (or see http://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/guidebook/chapters/V2ch15.asp). This evaluation must be appended to the form titled “Programmatic Section 4(f) Evaluation for Projects that Necessitate the Use of Historic Bridges.”
Anchor: #i1001465Public Involvement Plan (Section 106)
The revised regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) now require TxDOT to provide a higher level of public involvement. These revised regulations add public involvement at several points during the Section 106 process and the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) of the Texas Historical Commission (THC) is particularly concerned about historic bridges. It is necessary to write a letter informing potential interested parties of projects involving bridges 50 years of age or older whether or not the bridge has been found eligible under the bridge inventory. This letter should inform recipients about the project and request their input regarding the historic significance, if any, of the bridge and whether or not they wish to be involved in the consultation process under the provisions of 36 CFR, part 800 (the regulations for Section 106). This letter should go to the chairperson of the County Historical Commission, the Historic Bridge Foundation, the local Chambers of Commerce, and other historic preservation groups identified in the city, county, or region. It must also be sent to the city landmark commission or equivalent group within city government, where such commissions are present. (See an example letter.)
If any contacted individuals or groups express an interest in the proposed project or concern about the project, keep them informed throughout the project development process. Identify the most appropriate type of public involvement on a project by project basis. Decisions should be based on the level of interest and types of concerns expressed by those contacted.
In addition, determine whether there will be an adverse effect on the historic bridge as defined in Section 106 of the NHPA (See http://www.achp.gov/regs-rev04.pdf). An adverse effect is when an undertaking may alter, directly or indirectly, any of the characteristics of an historic property that qualify the property for inclusion in the National Register in a manner that would diminish the integrity of the property’s location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, or association. For bridges where there will be an adverse effect (which includes bridges being moved and relocated for an alternative use as well as those proposed for demolition), there should be a notice of opportunity for a public meeting to discuss the historic bridge and the project’s impact upon it. Holding such a meeting is strongly recommended in order to avoid unexpected last-minute objection to a project. (See examples of a public notice, written comment form, public meeting agenda, and three example letters to potential interested parties.)
An electronic copy of the names and addresses of preservation groups and individuals in your district is provided to the districts on a regular basis by the Environmental Affairs Division to the environmental coordinator in the district. For projects involving bridges of extraordinary significance at the state or national level or a high level of public controversy, additional public involvement efforts will be necessary and will be developed on a case-by-case basis.
Anchor: #i1001501Funding Consultation
With the guidance of the Historic Bridge Team (HBT), the Bridge Division project manager consults with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as needed regarding funding of the preservation work.
Anchor: #i1001511Exploration of Preservation Options
A district explores preservation options. Members of the Historic Bridge Team (HBT) may participate as needed. For off-system bridge projects, this step should include involvement of the local government/current owner.
Anchor: #i1001523SHPO Coordination (Section 106)
The Environmental Affairs Division, with the Bridge Division project manager representation as appropriate, consults with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) on proposed preservation.