Section 106 Review
In the context of location intelligence and home buying, Section 106 Review refers to a specific provision of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) that requires federal agencies to assess the potential impacts of their undertakings on historic properties and cultural resources. This review process is designed to protect and preserve significant aspects of our nation's heritage.
Key aspects of Section 106 Review include:
- Federal involvement: Section 106 Review is triggered when a federal agency is involved in a project, either through direct funding, permitting, licensing, or other approvals. This includes projects such as highway construction, urban development, and infrastructure improvements.
- Historic properties: The review process focuses on identifying and evaluating historic properties, which are defined as any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object that is included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places.
- Consultation: Section 106 Review involves consultation among the federal agency, state and tribal historic preservation offices, and other stakeholders, such as local governments, organizations, and the public. This consultation aims to identify historic properties, assess potential effects, and seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse impacts.
- Mitigation measures: If a project is found to have an adverse effect on historic properties, the federal agency must explore measures to mitigate those impacts. Mitigation can include actions such as documentation, data recovery, preservation, or interpretation of the affected resources.
When considering a home or property, being aware of any nearby historic properties or ongoing Section 106 Reviews can provide insights into potential development restrictions, preservation efforts, or cultural significance of the area. It is important to note that Section 106 Review does not necessarily prevent development or property use, but rather ensures that historic preservation is considered in the planning process.
