From the NTIA, via Minnesota’s BEAD liaison to the NTIA…

Today the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) announced that it will make a 2017 program comment establishing streamlined historic preservation permitting rules for communications infrastructure projects on federal lands available to all Internet for All programs and broadband projects from all federal agencies, both on and off federal lands.

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson requested that the ACHP consider this action in October 2023. ACHP’s announcement today follows a consultation process and public comment period. This action will increase the predictability and efficiency of National Historic Preservation Act “Section 106” reviews, simplifying permitting for recipients of NTIA and other federal agencies’ high-speed Internet deployment grants.

The following statement is attributable to Assistant Secretary Davidson:

“Streamlining permitting efforts is crucial to quickly deploy the high-speed Internet networks needed by families and businesses across the U.S. The impact of the Advisory Council’s action will be felt immediately in our current broadband projects, and will make it easier for future deployments to connect unserved locations across America.

“My thanks to Chair Bronin and the Advisory Council for considering NTIA’s request for this amendment, and for acting swiftly and carefully to meet the urgent need for high-speed Internet networks while protecting properties of historic and cultural significance.”