Public Comment Open on a Proposed Programmatic Agreement

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

The City of Missoula is taking steps to streamline our Section 106 process by developing a Programmatic Agreement (PA) with the Montana State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP).

Background

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to take into account the effects of their undertakings on historic properties. Under HUD regulations, the City of Missoula has assumed HUD’s environmental review responsibilities for projects funded with City CDBG and HOME dollars. This includes Section 106 compliance.

What It Does

A PA will allow us to expedite the process for acquisition and rehabilitation projects that include certain activities (for a full list, please see the PA in the Document sidebar to the right).

A PA will establish a consistent process for identifying and evaluating historic properties, and it will help to alleviate project delays.

What It Covers

The proposed PA would cover a wide range of acquisition and rehabilitation activities across the city.

As listed in Attachment A of the PA, activities that have been evaluated to not affect historic properties will be exempt from Section 106 review. This will expedite the process for activities such as in-kind repair and replacement of windows, porches, insulation, and mechanical systems.

Projects that are not exempt, such as substantial rehabilitation and new construction, will still undergo a complete Section 106 review, including consultation with SHPO, tribes and other consulting parties.

All projects and locations will be reviewed to ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing regulations 36 CFR Part 800.

How You Can Participate

The City of Missoula is soliciting comments on our proposed programmatic agreement. You can view the report under the “Documents” sidebar to the right.

Comments will be accepted in the Forum tab above, or by emailing Kendra at lisumk@ci.missoula.mt.us. All comments received by July 26, 2023 will be included in the submission for approval to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.