Public Meeting, SHPO’s FY 2017 Historic Preservation Fund Grant Application, Oklahoma History Center

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will hold a public meeting on Friday, September 16, at 10:30 a.m. in the classroom of the Oklahoma History Center, located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. SHPO staff will provide information about the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and how it supports the statewide preservation program. During the meeting, the SHPO will also receive public input for development of the Fiscal Year 2017 Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) application to the US Department of the Interior. The United States is celebrating the NHPA’s fiftieth anniversary this year. Your participation in this public meeting is an important way you can join the celebration and help the SHPO advance Oklahoma’s preservation goals for the future.

Under the NHPA, the SHPO administers the federal historic preservation program in Oklahoma. The purpose of the program is to encourage preservation of the state’s archaeological and historic resources for everyone’s benefit. The SHPO conducts surveys to identify archaeological and historic resources; nominates eligible properties to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP); comments on the effects of federal undertakings on archaeological and historic resources; develops the statewide preservation plan; administers the Certified Local Governments (CLG) Program; provides comments to the National Park Service about rehabilitation projects proposed for federal tax credits; and provides public outreach programs and technical assistance to preservation professionals, government agencies, and interested citizens. The SHPO expects to receive approximately $830,000 from the HPF for these programs and its operations. Ten percent of the HPF award is reserved for pass-through grants to CLGs. ”

“Tomorrow’s Legacy: Oklahoma’s Statewide Preservation Plan (January 2015-December 2019)” is available online at www.okhistory.org/shpo/stateplan.htm, and sets forth the statewide preservation community’s goals and objectives. The SHPO’s priorities for addressing the State Plan’s goals are continuation of the archaeological and historic/architectural resources survey program, with special emphasis on resources associated with underrepresented peoples and extension of survey coverage to previously unstudied areas; preparation of NRHP nominations; and continuation of public outreach and technical assistance programs. The public’s ideas and priorities for the SHPO’s activities in each of these program areas in FY 2017 will help strengthen preservation efforts in Oklahoma. Written comments and suggestions are also welcome from individuals who are unable to attend the meeting. Please complete the SHPO’s “Project Suggestion Form” and return it by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 16. Call the SHPO at 405-521-6249 or email Melvena Heisch at mheisch@okhistory.org to request the form, or obtain it at www.okhistory.org/shpo/spevents.htm.