By: Len Denton
The Georgetown Neighborhood Alliance (the Alliance) was recently named as a Consulting Party to the Austin Avenue Bridges Project by TxDOT.
What is a Consulting Party?
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA) requires Federal agencies to take into account the effects of their undertakings on historic properties, and afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation a reasonable opportunity to comment. (Note: TxDot is responsible for overseeing Section 106 activities in Texas.)
Consulting parties are a component of this commenting process. Consulting Parties are stakeholders who have a vested interest in the actions affecting historic properties. This could be a local heritage society or neighborhood group. Being named as a Consulting Party gives the stakeholder official status as a project participant. Furthermore, it guarantees the stakeholder access to project information and permits them to participate in the commenting process.
Why This Matters
As a Consulting Party, the Alliance is recognized as a stakeholder in the project with access to project documents, the ability to participate in project proceedings and to register official comments. The Austin Avenue Bridges Project is an important issue for the growth of the city as well as the continuing economic well-being of the Downtown business district. Being a Consulting Party allows the Alliance to participate of this important project.
Participation will enable the Alliance to ensure that Georgetown residents are well-informed on the issues, and that their voices are heard.
Do You Have a Group That Should be a Consulting Party?
To learn how to obtain Consulting Party status for your group or organization, contact the Alliance at info@alliancegeorgetown.org.
Len Denton is a member/volunteer at the Alliance. He is the Alliance representative to the Austin Avenue Bridges Project.