Archaeological recordation of Brick Clamp, MD 5 Hughesville, Charles Co.

Federal and state agencies—or the recipients of their assistance—need to consult with MHT as part of the Section 106 process. Projects requiring review include actions with direct federal or state funding sources, permits, licenses, or other actions with state or federal involvement. Ultimately, the responsible agency must complete the requirements of Section 106 prior to making a final decision to fund or approve a project.

The following is an overview of the four steps in the Section 106 process. For more detailed information, guidance, and training, please see the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Protecting Historic Properties.

Step 1: Initiate Consultation

An agency must determine, with MHT, if a proposed action is an undertaking with the potential to affect historic properties and, if so, plan to involve the public and identify consulting parties. Participants in the Section 106 process may include the involved agency, State Historic Preservation Officer, local governments, Indian tribes, applicants for federal assistance, interested parties, and the public. The agency must invite parties to participate in consultation and provide basic information about the undertaking to all parties. In some cases, the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation will also participate in consultation.

Additional consulting parties may include organizations and individuals with a demonstrated interest in the project. The parties’ interest may entail legal or economic relation to the project or affected historic properties (such as the owner of an affected resource) or relate to their concern for the undertaking's effects on historic properties (such as a local historical society, Certified Heritage Area, state recognized Indian tribe, or preservation advocacy organization). The views and interests of the public are important to inform agency project planning decisions. The involved federal/state agency must seek and consider the views of the public in a manner that reflects the nature and complexity of the undertaking and its effects on historic properties by providing the public with information about the project and allowing for public comment.

Step 2: Identify Historic Properties

Agencies must identify areas where the project could directly, indirectly, or cumulatively affect historic properties, known as the Area of Potential Effect (APE for short). The agency must gather information on cultural resources within the APE and determine which properties are listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

» Identifying Historic Properties

Step 3: Assess Effects on Historic Properties

The agency must determine the effects the project may have on any historic properties identified in the APE by applying the criteria of Adverse Effects, in consultation with MHT.

Step 4: Resolve Adverse Effects

When a proposed project will have an adverse effect on historic properties, the agency must explore alternatives to avoid, minimize, or mitigate those effects. MHT seeks to prevent adverse effects on historic and archaeological properties through consultation. Sometimes adverse effects are unavoidable given project needs, environmental or design constraints, emergency situations, or other requirements. In these instances, agencies consult with MHT and consulting parties to negotiate a Memorandum of Agreement that specifies meaningful mitigation measures that will be implemented to resolve the adverse effect.

Ultimately the historic preservation review process does not proscribe an outcome. It is a consultative and deliberative process. Agencies, through consultation with MHT and relevant parties, must balance multiple and often conflicting concerns to make sound project planning decisions. MHT review helps ensure compliance with preservation laws and promotes the appropriate stewardship of Maryland's heritage resources.

Agencies should be aware that certain local jurisdictions administer their own historic preservation review process. Local reviews are handled independently from the Section 106 process and may generate helpful information that informs Section 106 consultation. MHT encourages state and federal agencies to coordinate the local review process in advance of Section 106 consultation, where applicable. Contact the appropriate local jurisdiction for information on pertinent requirements.