On June 3, 2022, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced a new effort to modernize the Civil Works program through a number of policy related issues. Most notably, the Corps said it will consider rulemaking actions regarding its use of Appendix C to meet its responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act for its Regulatory Program. The Corps has asked Section 106 stakeholders to share their experiences with Appendix C, and the challenges they encounter in protecting historic properties when using it by the end of July.

Any changes to how the Corps meets its obligations under Section 106 will have profound impacts on CRM firms across the country. ACRA plans to submit comments to the Corps that reflect the views of ACRA member firms. In order to give firms the opportunity to have a voice in the discussion, ACRA is announcing two ways to weigh in:

1. ACRA Member Survey. ACRA has launched an online survey to provide ACRA member firms to offer their thoughts on any potential changes to Appendix C. Please take the survey, which will help the ACRA Government Relations Committee formulate ACRA’s comments, by July 22. 
2. ACRA-Corps Listening Session. At ACRA’s request, the Corps has agreed to hold a special virtual listening session for ACRA member firms to discuss the potential changes. In the session, the Corps will brief us on their process and give firms a chance to share their views. The listening session will be Wednesday, July 13, 2022, from 1:30-3:00 pm EDT. To register, click here.

ACRA is committed to ensuring that CRM firms have a seat at the table when federal agencies make preservation policy. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to help shape the Corps’ Regulatory Program!