Press Release
July 13, 2015
Contact: Melvena Heisch
State Historic Preservation Office, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-521-6249
mheisch@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/shpo
SHPO Seeks Input for FY 2016 Program
Oklahoma City, Okla. — The Oklahoma Historical Society's State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will hold a public meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2015, in the Oklahoma History Center classroom located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. (just northeast of the State Capitol) in Oklahoma City. SHPO staff will provide information about the statewide preservation program and will receive public input for development of the Fiscal Year 2016 Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) application to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The SHPO expects to receive approximately $830,000 from the HPF for its programs and operations. Of this award, 10 percent of the funding is reserved for pass-through grants to Certified Local Governments (CLGs).
Under the National Historic Preservation Act, the SHPO administers the federal historic preservation program in Oklahoma. The purpose of the program is to encourage preservation of the state's archaeological and historic resources for everyone's benefit. The SHPO conducts surveys to identify archaeological and historic resources; nominates eligible properties to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP); comments on the effects of federal undertakings on archaeological and historic resources; develops the statewide preservation plan; administers the CLG Program; provides comments to the National Park Service about rehabilitation projects proposed for federal tax credits; and provides public outreach programs and technical assistance to preservation professionals, government agencies and interested citizens.
"Tomorrow's Legacy: Oklahoma's Statewide Preservation Plan (January 2015–December 2019)" (available from the SHPO or at www.okhistory.org/shpo/stateplan.htm) sets forth the statewide preservation community's goals and objectives. The SHPO's priorities for addressing the State Plan's goals are continuation of the archaeological and historic/architectural resources survey program, with special emphasis on resources associated with underrepresented peoples, and extension of survey coverage to previously unstudied areas; preparation of NRHP nominations; and continuation of public outreach and technical assistance programs. The public's ideas and priorities for the SHPO's activities in each of these program areas in FY 2016 will help strengthen the preservation of Oklahoma's heritage.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, your written comments and suggestions are welcome. You may complete the SHPO's "Project Suggestion Form" and return it by 5 p.m., Friday, September 11, 2015. Call the SHPO at 405-521-6249 or email Melvena Heisch at mheisch@okhistory.org to request the form or obtain it at http://www.okhistory.org/shpo/spevents.htm.
The State Historic Preservation Office is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains 31 museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
