Part II - Environmental Program at KSC - NASA

Space Shuttle Program Historic Properties 6-14NASA-wide Roll-up ReportAs the U.S. Space Program continues to unfold, the transition from the SSP to theConstellation Program will require the modification of existing facilities to support newprogram activities. Major construction of new buildings is not anticipated at any NASACenter. Decisions regarding which facilities will provide the infrastructure in support ofthe Constellation Program are currently being decided. Whether selected for adaptivereuse and modification, or excessed at the end of the SSP, NASA undertakings involvingthe 70 NRHP-listed or eligible properties identified as part of this study (in addition tothe historic properties at the KSC which are contributing resources to NRHP-listed andeligible historic districts), as well as historic properties listed or determined eligible underprevious NASA programs, will require review and consultation under Section 106 of theNHPA.In 1991, a Programmatic Agreement (PA) was executed among NASA, the NationalCouncil of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO) and the Advisory Council onHistoric Preservation (Council) for the management of NASA’s NHLs resulting from theMan in Space Theme Study. The PA (Appendix C) provides guidance for NASAmanagers regarding the treatment of these landmark properties. This agreement waspromulgated pursuant to the regulations (36 CFR Part 800) implementing Sections 106and 110(f) of the NHPA, as amended, in order to take into account the effect of ongoingNASA programs and specific undertakings on 20 of NASA’s NHLs (as of February 24,1989). Stipulation I specified the actions which would require consultation with theappropriate SHPO, and, as necessary, the Council, as well as mitigation measures(Stipulation I.A); actions that required the development and implementation of mitigationmeasures, but no consultation (Stipulation I.B); and actions whereby NASA couldproceed without consultation or the implementation of mitigation measures (StipulationI.C). The consultation process is described in Stipulation II of the PA, and two mitigationmeasures, recordation and salvage, are defined in Stipulation III. The final part of theagreement (Stipulation IV) includes administrative stipulations, such as provisions forcontinuing coordination, and the termination of the agreement. This PA is currently usedby the NASA Centers to meet their Section 106 responsibilities.Since the execution of this agreement more than 17 years ago, the number of historicproperties under NASA’s jurisdiction has grown with the addition of designated NHLsand dozens of facilities which are listed or determined eligible for listing in the NRHP. Inaddition, since 1989, NASA policy changes (e.g., the replacement of NASA ManagementInstruction [NMI] 4310.4 with NASA Procedural Requirement [NPR] 43100.1), and theincreased roster of generally accepted mitigation measures, as encouraged by the NPSand Council, suggest the need for a new agency-wide programmatic agreement.In consideration of the number and complexity of potential NASA undertakingsengendered by the retirement of the SSP and transition to Constellation, a new PA shouldbe procedural in approach, establishing a streamlined and rationalized process throughwhich NASA will meet its compliance responsibilities for different categories of projects.It is recommended that the new PA broaden its scope to include not only designatedNHLs, but all NRHP-listed and determined eligible properties. Further, the agreementdocument should establish categorical exclusions and standard treatments and programsJuly 2008Archaeological Consultants, Inc.