NE Task Force on Historic Preservation Report
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The Nebraska Task Force on Historic Preservation “A Decade of Building on the Historic and Cultural Foundations of Nebraska” A REPORT CARD [1995-2005] Introduction Historic places embody the traditions and contributions of all who have lived in Nebraska. If we want our state to remain a distinctive place with a high quality of life, then our historic places - buildings, neighborhoods, towns, and landscapes - are an essential resource for the present and the future. Our “The spirit and challenge is to build on these foundations without discarding or obliterating direction of the the distinctive legacy of our past. state are founded upon and reflected Recognizing this challenge and preservation’s potential, the 1992 session of the in its historic Nebraska Legislature authorized a task force on historic preservation. The task heritage.” force included the director of the Nebraska State Historical Society and eleven -LB 706, an act of the members appointed by the governor. Membership included citizens with Nebraska Legislature interest and expertise in historic preservation, assisted by representatives from establishing the Task Force the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the Nebraska Game and on Historic Preservation Parks Commission, the Nebraska Department of Roads, and staffing assistance from the Nebraska State Historical Society. The task force held eight public forums statewide to identify preservation issues. The task force also commissioned a Nebraska Social Indicators Survey, conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Bureau of Sociological Research, to obtain public comments on the importance of historic preservation to quality-of-life issues. The task force found Nebraskans to be unified in their recognition of the quality of life in their communities, and urgently concerned with preserving the historic and cultural foundations of the state. In 1995, the task force concluded its study and released its report on Nebraska’s historic preservation issues, activities, and existing laws. The report, entitled: “Nebraska Task Force on Historic Preservation: Strategies for Preserving the Historic and Cultural Foundations of Nebraska” was presented to the Governor and Ninety-Fourth Legislature of the State of Nebraska in May of 1995. Findings from the public forums included: • An overwhelming majority of Nebraskans (98 percent) felt historic preservation is important, an opinion consistent across demographic categories. In addition, participants identified the importance of preserving entire neighborhoods, deteriorated inner cities, small town business districts, family farms and ranches, and the environment. • A clear majority of Nebraskans (90 percent) felt historic preservation is important to the officials who are responsible for tourism and economic development in their communities. • Financing is one of the most important preservation issues. Participants frequently recognized a close link between historic preservation and economic development. • Preservation and education on local history are important needs, both within and beyond the school systems. 1 THE CHALLENGE… Nebraska’s historic places are being lost at an alarming rate, and the issues confronting historic preservation are many. The loss of historic places creates a sense of personal and community loss and of opportunities unrecognized. “The historic and cultural …THE OPPORTUNITY foundations of the Communities across Nebraska can point to critical needs in state should be economic development, quality housing, tourism promotion, and land use preserved as a planning. Historic preservation has demonstrated a remarkable record of living part of our addressing the issues confronting Nebraskans. community life and development.” But as the challenges are great, so are the opportunities. In the revitalization of -LB706 rural communities, opportunities must be found for Nebraska’s main streets by rehabilitating older buildings, encouraging a diverse mix of businesses, developing tourism, and fostering local pride by preserving the unique personality of these smaller communities. In reviving Nebraska’s urban centers, historic preservation can bring together new and old. In enhancing Nebraska’s quality of life, opportunities abound in: the conservation of important sites and rural landscapes; in providing quality affordable housing in redeveloped historic buildings; and in educating present and future generations by preserving historic places as living parts of all communities. Historic places are the record of who we are. They reflect our traditions and sense of place. They define our quality of life in Nebraska. If the historic and cultural foundations of Nebraska are its historic places, we must build on these foundations in a way that will maintain and find vision in the past. This document is an update on the findings of the Nebraska Task Force on Historic Preservation and the accomplishments made in addressing the recommendations of its 1995 report. This “Report Card” includes overall policy, measures of ongoing public participation and study, and ‘milestone’ accomplishments that have furthered the work of the Nebraska Task Force on Historic Preservation. This report does not address every project or activity in the state. It highlights those that have served to best address the issues and recommendations of the 1995 report. 2 Public Policy The 1995 report concluded that historic preservation be recognized in public policy, comprehensive legislative initiatives, and coalitions of public and private groups with common goals in matters of Nebraska’s environment, community development, and quality of life. Nebraska’s public policy for historic preservation is largely vested in a federal-state-local partnership that was first established under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and amendments. This act recognizes the role of states in participating in federal historic preservation programs and delegates responsibilities for planning and formulating policy to the state level. • In 1967, the Nebraska Legislature accepted the provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act and delegated the administration of the state’s historic preservation program to the Nebraska State Historical Society. As such, the Nebraska State Historical Society serves as the state’s principal agency to administer historic preservation programs and public policy. The Director of the Nebraska State Historical Society serves as State Historic Preservation Officer. The State Historic Preservation Office, a division of the Nebraska State Historical Society, manages historic preservation programs which include: The nomination of properties to the National Register of Historic Places. The “Nebraska Historic Buildings Survey” and archeological surveys. Consultation with federal agencies and their designees on projects or undertakings that may involve historic places, commonly known as Section 106 Review. Review and comment on projects that are proposed for a federal investment tax credit, an income tax incentive for rehabilitation of historic, income-producing properties. Certification of local historic preservation programs that have established ordinances and commissions to identify and preserve historic places. Activities that promote and encourage public participation in historic preservation. Conducting and maintaining a state historic preservation plan. • The National Park Service is the federal agency that oversees programs and the participation of states under the National Historic Preservation Act. State programs are supported with an annual grant, administered by the National Park Service. 3 • The federal-state partnership is extended to local governments. Local government historic preservation programs may be certified to participate in the Federal historic preservation program and receive funds that are Foundations: made available through Nebraska’s annual allocation. By enacting local Strategies for preservation ordinances and establishing a local preservation commission, Preserving the communities can further historic preservation through advocacy, historic and cultural foundation of comprehensive planning, and other activities. Nebraska, A Report to the Governor and • Legislature of Tribes are the keepers of Native American culture and history. Tribal Nebraska (May 1995) governments may participate in the federal historic preservation program through status as a Tribal Historic Preservation Office. The Nebraska This report by the Nebraska Task Force Commission on Indian Affairs monitors legislation and coordinates on Historic activities among tribes, organizations, and state and federal agencies. Its Preservation was adopted as Nebraska’s members serve to promote the rights and address problems common to “Statewide Native Americans in Nebraska. Preservation Plan,” a requirement of Nebraska’s • Other federal or state agencies, regional councils, development districts, participation in and metropolitan planning agencies are partners in historic preservation federal programs under the National through missions that support or enhance historic places, recognize Historic Preservation cultural preservation through statewide planning, and programs that can Act of 1966. The and do support preservation activities in Nebraska. National Park Service approved Nebraska’s “Statewide • Professional organizations, local and regional preservation and historical Preservation Plan.” In its July 1995 approval, associations, community development organizations, tourism