Standard Information Needed for Section 106 Consultation

• Detailed description of the proposed project, including related activities to be carried out in conjunction with the project and the land status of real property in the area of effect. Projects submitted to HPD should explain the scope of work and include preliminary drawings or plans on a USGS or other appropriate map. The federal requirements for Section 106 consultation as outlined under the National Historic Preservation Act are available at the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation website.
• Descriptions of the size of the project area, terrain, and present land uses of the project and adjacent land. Current photographs (originals) of the land to be used for the proposed project are helpful. Any additional information on kind and degree of prior or existing surface disturbance should also be included.
• A portion of the U.S. Geological Survey 7.5 quadrangle map with the project area clearly marked on it. The name of the quadrangle, and the Township, Range, and Section of the project area must be included with the map (or displayed on it). A legible photocopy of the portion of the quad in which the project area appears is fine, as long as the name of the quad and the other locational information are provided with the map. USGS map example.
• A written description of the proposed boundaries of the project's Area of Potential Effects (APE). This should also be marked on the map, if the APE does not coincide with the project area (if, for example, effects extend beyond the area of ground disturbance).
• A detailed description of efforts that are being made or on-going in order to identify and evaluate properties (including historic structures and archaeological sites) in the APE that are listed on or eligible to the National Register of Historic Places (and the NM State Register of Cultural Properties). Results from these efforts must be provided to this office before a determination of effect can be made. Any archaeological sites, historic buildings, or other cultural resources identified in the general area must be noted.
• A description of efforts to identify whether Native American tribes, that may be culturally affiliated with traditional cultural properties or other kinds of sites within the APE, have any concerns related to the proposed undertaking.
• Identification of the funding source: federal, state, state trust, private, a combination?
• Letter from the federal agency (if it is not a HUD project) authorizing your initiation of the consultation.

For historic building rehabilitation, accessibility improvements, demolition, or construction also include:

• Approximate construction dates for buildings or structures in the Area of Potential Effect.
• Current photographs (originals) of any building(s) or structure(s) to be affected by the project. Overall exterior photos are sufficient. Photos need to be clear enough for HPD staff to evaluate the historic integrity of the building(s).
• Project location clearly marked on a street map within a municipality, or, if it will occur in a rural location, the USGS quadrangle map as described above.
• Preliminary drawings or plans of the project design on topo and/or street map as appropriate.

Allow 30 days for HPD review as per 36 CFR 800.3(c)(4), 800.4(d)(1), 800.5(c), and 800.11.

Useful information, including lists of cultural properties on the national and state registers, can be obtained from this website.

How to Compile the Requested Information

The locational information is requested to help us determine whether any previous archaeological survey or historic structure documentation has been conducted in the APE. Commonly, agencies and organizations preparing for an undertaking of this nature contact environmental or cultural resources consulting firms to determine the status of cultural property inventory in a given APE, complete an archaeological and/or historic structure survey if none has been performed, and assist an agency in deciding which, if any, Native American tribes should be consulted. A list of permitted archaeologists and archaeological firms is available from this office upon request or can be downloaded from this web site. The cultural resources specialist will write a report of the survey results and recommendations and submit it to your office. Please send us the report for review and consultation regarding any historic properties that might be found during the survey and any effects of the proposed project upon them. The report should be accompanied by a cover letter requesting a formal determination of effect for the undertaking.

Please note that, pursuant to the revised 36 CFR 800 guidelines issued by the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation, Native American tribes that may be culturally affiliated with traditional cultural properties (and other historic properties) in the area of effect must be consulted prior to the beginning of project work This is true even if the area of effect does not lie within the boundaries of an Indian Reservation; neighboring tribes may have concerns. In order to accomplish this consultation it is not necessary to contact every tribe in New Mexico, but you must make a good faith effort to identify tribes that may have issues in the area of effect and ensure that they are consulted. Some tribes may not wish to provide sensitive information to a consulting firm or local government agency. In these cases, tribes may wish to request that the federal agency be involved, or they may contact our office directly with their concerns. If you need further information about how such consultation should proceed, please contact this office. Staff at the federal offices that are helping you complete your funding application can also provide guidance and assistance regarding tribal consultation. The federal agency that you are working with can also provide the letter that authorizes you to initiate the consultation.