Project Examples

INTRODUCTION

This portion of the tutorial will acquaint you with four project examples that, together, reveal a broad range of considerations related to Section 106. The examples are intended to offer insight into the issues and challenges typically faced by FHWA and its transportation agency partners, as well as the types of solutions that may be used to overcome these challenges. The examples are based on projects that were funded by FHWA and carried out by State DOTs, with details modified or blended from multiple projects. Emphasis is placed on Steps 3 and 4 of the Section 106 process, but it is still necessary to go through all steps sequentially. See Steps in the Section 106 process.

The project examples address the following Section 106 outcomes:

• Finding of No Historic Properties Affected
• Finding of No Adverse Effect (simple)
• Finding of No Adverse Effect (complex)
• Resolution of adverse effects

It is important for transportation professionals using this tutorial to know that approaches to assessing effects can differ across states. This is especially true for determining if a project will have an adverse effect on historic properties. For this reason, it is important to have detailed information on why a property is listed or eligible for listing in the National Register, including explicit definitions of a property’s character-defining features and aspects of integrity. It is also of utmost importance to begin consultation among appropriate parties early in project development while options for project design or alternatives are still open. This will help to avoid surprises or misunderstandings that can lead to project delays and increased project costs. See Section 106 Participants: Roles and Responsibilities.

For questions or feedback on this subject matter content, please contact David Clarke.