What is the National Historic Preservation Act?
The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 is a United States federal law that provides a united national policy to preserving historic and significant sites and objects of national importance. The NHPA is an important tool for protecting much of the United States’ cultural and historical heritage from destruction. Washington State, like all other states, is required to implement a preservation program that meets the standards of the NHPA. The NHPA requires all states to identify properties of historical and cultural significance and provide a mechanism for preserving them. Such properties are designated as National Historic Landmarks and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In Washington, state and local governments are responsible for identifying and protecting sites that meet the criteria for national significance. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) works with local governments to identify, evaluate, and list properties in the state and national registers, and to register new state-level landmarks. The NHPA also establishes a federal-state partnership to ensure the preservation of significant sites and objects. Federal agencies are required to consider the potential impact of their actions on historic properties and engage with state and local governments when they propose changes to a site or object of national significance. Meanwhile, state and local governments have the responsibility of managing and providing public access to such properties. By working together, federal and local governments can ensure that Washington’s heritage is well preserved and accessible to the public. The NHPA is an important tool in preserving our state’s history for present and future generations.
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