The National Historic Preservation Act was passed in 1966 to protect historic and archaeological sites across the United States. Key elements of the act included setting federal policy for preserving the nation’s cultural heritage; establishing the National Register of Historic Places; establishing State Historic Preservation Offices; establishing the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; and charging federal agencies to be responsible stewards of historic properties.
Section 106
Requires that each federal agency identify and assess the effects its actions may have on historic buildings. Under Section 106, each federal agency must consider public views and concerns about historic preservation issues when making final project decisions.
Section 110
Calls on federal agencies calls to establish their own historic preservation programs for the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties, and ensure that historic properties are managed with consideration for their historic value.
Section 111
Allows federal agencies to lease excess space in historic properties to private entities and reinvest earnings into preservation projects at properties listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. GSA uses these earnings for:
- Leveraging private funding for reinvestment
- Retaining viable historic buildings in GSA inventory
- Increasing funds from operations
- Preserving features, finishes, and historic art in historic buildings
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) [PDF - 730 KB]>>
U.S. General Services Administration