National Historic Preservation Act of 1966

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The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA; Public Law 89-665; 16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.) is American legislation creating the National Register of Historic Places, the list of National Historic Landmarks and the posts of State Historic Preservation Officers with the intent of preserving historic and archaeological sites.

The NHPA became law in 1966. Several amendments have been made since. It requires government agencies to evaluate the impact of all government-funded construction projects through a process known as Section 106 Review. Under the act, agencies maintain their own preservation program enjoined by advisory councils on Historic preservation.

The NHPA was enacted due to public concern that so many of the nation's historic resources were not receiving adequate attention as the government sponsored much-needed public works projects. Having been strengthened and expanded by several amendments, the NHPA is today the basis of America's historic preservation policy.[1]

The NHPA expanded the role of Federal preservation efforts, begun by the National Antiquities Act. Federal power was diffused to the states, who in turn were encouraged to diffuse it further to localities. Historic preservation in the United States was broadened to include places with no national historic significance.