Committee on Design

Heritage Documentation Programs of the National Park Service Threatened

  • 1.  Heritage Documentation Programs of the National Park Service Threatened

    Posted 07-31-2014 03:40 PM
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    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Committee on Design and Historic Resources Committee .
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    Heritage Documentation Programs of the National Park Service Threatened

     

    The 2013 HABS Report to the AIA HABS Steering Committee received by the AIA Historic Resources Committee from National Park Service Heritage Documentation Program (HABS) in March 2014 expresses growing concern over continued and persistent reduction of funding and staff levels for Heritage Documentation programs (including HABS) by National Park Service administration. Among the positions lost is the position of staff photographer. HABS is currently operating without a photographer on staff which reduces the ability to document historic resources and further hampers efforts to address issues related to the use of digital documentation methods.

     

    Other recent National Park Service decisions also appear to be having an adverse effect on public access to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) documentation and the federal historic preservation tax incentive program. The HRC was informed that National Register files are being transferred to the National Archives and Records Administration. NPS Technical Preservation Services staff who review 800 federal historic preservation tax incentive program applications a year are no longer able to easily access National Register files in a timely manner which in turn impacts the ability to quickly process applications. 

     

    During the month of June, HRC Chair Peyton Hall, FAIA helped AIA Advocacy and Government Affairs staff prepare and deliver a letter to NPS Director Jonathan B. Jarvis - which was cosigned by representatives from the American Council of Engineering Companies, the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Landscape Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation - encouraging the continuation of the important work of HABS/HAER/HALS; and, urging continued support and funding of these programs so that the National Park Service can continue this vital work that provides a critical resource for all architectural practitioners, educators and students.

     

    In addition, HRC members, HRC partners and allied organizations have been contacting HRC Advisory Group members expressing growing concern over continued efforts by Congress to reform the federal tax code. Reform of the federal tax code could potentially eliminate the federal historic preservation tax incentive program. Clearly renewed AIA member engagement in local and national advocacy efforts is necessary. More can be done to advocate for the critical federal cultural resource management and economic development programs that have been instrumental in revitalizing communities across the entire United States.

     

    The HRC and AIA Advocacy and Government Affairs staff are working together to identify opportunities where AIA members can partner in advocacy and coalitions to support historic preservation policy, and to actively engage on preservation issues with AIA partner and allied organizations to address issues such as U.S. post office disposals, preservation funding support, Tax Act legislation, rightsizing of urban development initiatives, support for better integration of historic preservation values into LEED with USGBC, and demonstrating to federal, state and local government representatives the important role that Section 106 of the NHPA and the NPS federal historic preservation tax incentive program play in preserving America's historic properties.

     

    There is a need to expand the discussion of historic preservation at the state and local level. Mayors, state legislators and Governors are looking for strategies to revive blighted neighborhoods and encourage renewed economic development; they need help from AIA members to understand the tools and benefits of historic preservation in those strategies.

     

    Access Reports from HRC Partners and Allied Organizations Coordination Meeting | March 21, 2014.



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    James Malanaphy AIA
    Saint Paul MN
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    Attachment(s)

    2024 HRC Taliesin West