Cultural Resources: Implementation of Federal Historic Preservation Program Can Be Improved
RCED-88-81
Published: Jun 09, 1988. Publicly Released: Jul 11, 1988.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed six agencies' compliance with the Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to determine the: (1) extent and consequences of noncompliance; and (2) actions needed to bring the agencies into compliance.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of the Interior | The Secretary of the Interior should direct the Director, National Park Service (NPS), to develop and provide, as part of its fiscal year (FY) 1990 budget request, a proposal to Congress detailing how the Secretary intends to adequately provide training opportunities as contemplated by section 101(h) of the Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. The proposal should include implementation time frames and other pertinent information. |
Closed – Implemented
NPS proposed a FY 1990 budget initiative to develop a comprehensive historic preservation training program; however, the initiative was not approved. NPS is developing other alternatives to carrying out its historic preservation responsibilities and plans no further action on this recommendation.
|
| Department of Agriculture | The Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior, the Administrators of General Services and Veterans Affairs, and the Postmaster General should: (1) ensure that the use of agency-owned or -managed historic properties is given preference over nonhistoric properties; (2) establish agencywide time frames regarding efforts to locate, inventory, and nominate their historic properties; and (3) emphasize through agency directives that historic properties must be adequately protected, preserved, and maintained. |
Closed – Implemented
Since guidance on preferential treatment has been in process since late 1988 and it has not yet been finalized, this recommendation should be closed.
|
| Department of the Interior | The Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior, the Administrators of General Services and Veterans Affairs, and the Postmaster General should: (1) ensure that the use of agency-owned or -managed historic properties is given preference over nonhistoric properties; (2) establish agencywide time frames regarding efforts to locate, inventory, and nominate their historic properties; and (3) emphasize through agency directives that historic properties must be adequately protected, preserved, and maintained. |
Closed – Implemented
NPS established time frames, as recommended, and is encouraging the preference of historic properties; as well as emphasizing the protection and preservation of historic properties.
|
| General Services Administration | The Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior, the Administrators of General Services and Veterans Affairs, and the Postmaster General should: (1) ensure that the use of agency-owned or -managed historic properties is given preference over nonhistoric properties; (2) establish agencywide time frames regarding efforts to locate, inventory, and nominate their historic properties; and (3) emphasize through agency directives that historic properties must be adequately protected, preserved, and maintained. |
Closed – Implemented
The General Services Administration has: (1) developed agencywide management guidelines requiring maximum use of historic properties; (2) established records on each of its properties 50 years or older; and (3) established a cultural resource management program which emphasizes protection, preservation, and maintenance of historic properties.
|
| Veterans Administration | The Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior, the Administrators of General Services and Veterans Affairs, and the Postmaster General should: (1) ensure that the use of agency-owned or -managed historic properties is given preference over nonhistoric properties; (2) establish agencywide time frames regarding efforts to locate, inventory, and nominate their historic properties; and (3) emphasize through agency directives that historic properties must be adequately protected, preserved, and maintained. |
Closed – Implemented
Since a historic preservation plan will be published by late 1994, this recommendation should be closed.
|
| United States Postal Service | The Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior, the Administrators of General Services and Veterans Affairs, and the Postmaster General should: (1) ensure that the use of agency-owned or -managed historic properties is given preference over nonhistoric properties; (2) establish agencywide time frames regarding efforts to locate, inventory, and nominate their historic properties; and (3) emphasize through agency directives that historic properties must be adequately protected, preserved, and maintained. |
Closed – Implemented
The Postal Service (USPS) has located and inventoried all postal facilities, over 50 years of age, and is nominating buildings for historic preservation. USPS is emphasizing the protection and preservation of historic properties.
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Topics
Agency missionsFederal property managementHistoric preservationNational historic sitesNoncomplianceProgram managementStatutory lawConservationFederal agenciesPostal service