Preservation Programs

Historic Preservation Officer

The Historic Preservation Officer shall be jointly nominated by the Commission members, the Mayor and the County Commissioners, a minimum of four (4) years of documented and proven hands on experience in applying the Standards for Historic Structures as set forth by the Secretary of the Interior to an historic structure and a working knowledge of such document and a working knowledge of Section 106 (see following section) and the Americans with Disabilities Act as it pertains to historic preservation; and also possess a proven demonstrated interest, knowledge and competence in historic preservation.  It is preferred that the officer be in the possession of or in the process of obtaining a degree in one or more of the following:  archaeology, architecture, historic preservation, anthropology, history, civil engineering, planning, architectural history, historic archaeology, or any other historic preservation related field.  Prior experience as a preservation officer in a Certified Local Government Program and a good standing with the Montana State Historic Preservation Office are also preferred.

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470, as amended)

Typically, federally funded projects require an environmental process that includes compliance with the Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.  Compliance involves the completion of procedures outlined in 36 CFR Parts 800 and 63.  The procedures should include consulting with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the local Historic Preservation Commission to identify properties listed in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places that may exist within a proposed project’s area of environmental impact.  Compliance also includes consulting with, as needed, the SHPO, the keeper of the National Register of Historic Places, and the local Historic Preservation Commission to evaluate the significance of historic or prehistoric properties, which could be affected by work and how to determine how to avoid or mitigate adverse effects to significant properties from project activities. 

The importance of the Section 106 review should not be underestimated.  For example, recipients of Montana Community Development Block Grant funding are strongly encouraged to initiate the historic preservation review process as soon as possible after grant funds are awarded to avoid potentially costly time delays with project start-up activities.  In most cases, federal (and most state) grant funds are not released and construction cannot begin until the environmental review process has been completed and approved by the agency providing the funds.

Montana Annotated Code

The Havre/Hill County Historic Preservation Commission is created by the City of Havre and Hill County for the following purpose as described in Montana Code Annotated 2007:

90-1-160. Purpose. The purposes of 90-1-160 through 90-1-164 and 90-1-167 through 90-1-169 are to:
     (1) assist the state and local governments in identifying, protecting, and promoting heritage and cultural tourism resources;
     (2) further support local preservation programs and encourage participation in the Montana historical society Montana-certified local government program, provided for in 90-1-168;
     (3) enhance the ability of localities and agencies to exhibit and advertise the heritage and cultural tourism resources of the state;
     (4) stimulate business investment, assist in retaining existing small businesses, and promote new businesses related to heritage and cultural tourism;
     (5) strengthen the local tax base;
     (6) create employment opportunities for the people of the state; and
     (7) generally enhance the economic viability of communities and regions of the state.