Section 106 ensures that important historic and cultural places are considered when a federally funded project is planned

The IBR Program is holding an online open house and public comment period from May 9 to June 8, 2025 as part of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

Section 106 ensures that important historic and cultural places are considered when a federally funded project is planned. The IBR Program is following this law to help protect these places as we get ready for construction of the Modified LPA and plan the future of our region.

During the public comment period, the Program wants your input on the Draft Programmatic Agreement (PA).

This Draft PA arranges how the IBR Program will follow Section 106 and includes ideas for how to reduce or make up for any harm to historic places previously identified within the Program’s “Area of Potential Effects.”

It includes mitigation strategies for “Adverse Effects” — impacts to historic places which can’t be avoided — that outline potential ways to protect and share important history with the public. They are based on the project’s impacts and the needs of the local community.

Examples of mitigation may include:

• Moving, reusing, or fixing up historic buildings or features
• Taking photos or making drawings before buildings are changed or removed
• Creating educational materials like websites, signs, curriculum, public art or tours
• Studying and recording archaeological sites

The IBR Program wants to hear from you! The public comment period will be open until June 8, 2025. You can learn more about the Section 106 process and participate in the comment period here.