Programmatic Agreement Template: What it is and Why it`s Important
Programmatic Agreement is a document that lays out the process for managing historic properties, archaeological sites, and other cultural resources. It is a legally binding agreement that outlines the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the management of these resources. A programmatic agreement template is a standardized version of this document that can be adapted and customized to fit the specific needs of a project or program.
Why is a programmatic agreement important?
For projects that involve federal funding or permitting, compliance with historic preservation laws is required. The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requires federal agencies to take into account the effects of their actions on historic properties and to consult with state and tribal historic preservation offices and other stakeholders. The programmatic agreement is a way to streamline this process by establishing a framework for how these consultations will take place.
The programmatic agreement establishes roles and responsibilities for all parties involved in the management of cultural resources. This can include federal and state agencies, tribal governments, and other stakeholders such as historic preservation organizations. By establishing clear guidelines for how these parties will work together, the programmatic agreement can help ensure that cultural resources are protected and preserved.
A programmatic agreement is also important because it can help expedite the review process for projects by providing a clear framework for how historic preservation considerations will be addressed. This can be particularly important for complex projects that involve multiple historic properties or archaeological sites.
What should be included in a programmatic agreement template?
A programmatic agreement template should include the following elements:
1. Introduction: This section should provide background information on the project or program and describe the purpose of the programmatic agreement.
2. Scope: This section should describe the types of cultural resources that will be managed under the programmatic agreement.
3. Roles and Responsibilities: This section should outline the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the management of cultural resources, including federal and state agencies, tribal governments, and other stakeholders.
4. Consultation procedures: This section should describe the process for consultation between the various parties involved in the management of cultural resources.
5. Mitigation measures: This section should describe any mitigation measures that will be implemented to avoid or minimize impacts to cultural resources.
6. Monitoring and reporting: This section should describe the process for monitoring and reporting on the management of cultural resources under the programmatic agreement.
Conclusion
A programmatic agreement template is an important tool for managing cultural resources in a way that complies with historic preservation laws and regulations. By establishing clear guidelines for how parties will work together to manage these resources, the programmatic agreement can help ensure their protection and preservation. When creating a programmatic agreement template, it is important to include all the necessary elements to ensure that it is comprehensive and effective.