Constitution State News

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is inviting public input on a draft Section 106 Programmatic Agreement (PA). This agreement outlines the process for reviewing transportation projects in line with the National Historic Preservation Act. The PA is being developed in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), and the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

The proposed agreement aims to streamline how historic properties are considered during road, rail, and transit projects in Connecticut. CTDOT has been implementing Section 106 PAs with FHWA for over ten years and now plans to extend similar procedures to transit and railroad initiatives.

“We are committed to ensuring that transportation projects not only meet the needs of today but also preserve and respect our rich historical and cultural assets,” stated Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “This collaboration with our federal and state partners is crucial for maintaining transparency, efficiency, and accountability in our process, particularly when it comes to preserving the historic landscapes and structures that define our communities. We encourage all members of the public to provide their feedback.”

Section 106 mandates federal agencies to identify and evaluate how a project may impact historic properties. CTDOT archaeologists and architectural historians conduct these assessments on behalf of federal agencies alongside SHPO, Tribes, consulting parties, and the public.

The document details each agency's roles and responsibilities for complying with Section 106. Further information about Section 106 can be accessed through FHWA’s and ACHP’s websites.

Public comments on this draft PA can be submitted online until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025.