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Recovery Act

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Recovery Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression and includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need. The Recovery Act provides for unprecedented levels of transparency so that Americans will know how, when, and where tax dollars are being spent.

Many of the projects funded through the Recovery Act have the potential to support the preservation and productive use of historic properties. This section of the ACHP’s Web site will serve as a clearinghouse for information about innovative approaches agencies can use to take into account the effects of their Recovery Act programs on historic properties. Federal agencies are responsible for ensuring that historic preservation values are integrated into their decision-making. Involving citizens and stakeholders early in the planning process is important so that agencies can make decisions that invest in the future stability and revitalization of historic places in our communities. The Recovery Act’s benefits to local economic vitality and infrastructure can also offer opportunities to demonstrate the economic value of preservation through job creation, community revitalization, and sustainable development. Click here to read about Economics and Historic Preservation.

The Office of Management and Budget issued guidance on March 26, 2009, that recognizes compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) is required for Recovery Act projects.

The Section 106 regulations provide for the involvement of stakeholders—including local, state, and tribal governments; developers; preservation advocates; and private citizens—in historic preservation reviews for federal projects.  Early coordination of the Section 106 review process, which often occurs during the NEPA process, ensures federal agencies fully consider historic preservation issues and the views of the public during project planning.  Click here for Section 106 Q&As.

The Recovery Act and Indian Tribes

The National Congress of American Indians is keeping track of stimulus plan projects affecting tribal lands throughout the United States. As part of the Section 106 process, Indian tribes need to be consulted when a federal undertaking affects lands with cultural or religious significance to them. Click here for information on Indian Country Works.

Updated April 20, 2009

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