HD45 - Public/Private Partnerships for Encouraging Historic Preservation in the Private Sector
Executive Summary: In carrying out the study requested by the General Assembly in House Joint Resolution 198, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources examined its own programs, collected information from other states, and sought public participation through public meetings, written comment and an ad hoc advisory committee. In every aspect of the study, the Department sought a balanced approach that addressed attention to vulnerable archaeological sites within the context of broader preservation and economic concerns. The Commonwealth has traditionally left the stewardship of historic properties to the private sector. Most historic properties are owned by the private sector; most historic preservation is done by and funded by the private sector; and most direct economic benefit is derived by the private sector. Many examples can be found of private support to protect or excavate archaeological sites, as well as rehabilitating and using historic buildings. The level of this effort, however, is not sufficient to document the great numbers of sites lost each year. The public role has traditionally been one of providing guidance, recognition and incentives. The Department carries out this role by collecting and sharing information, providing objective evaluation and recognition of places that are historically significant, and administering grants and tax credit programs approved by Congress or the General Assembly. Consultation processes are required where public funds, lands or permits are involved. Most grant funds (both federal and state) that provide public support for private preservation activities have been reduced or eliminated in recent years. There is very little available at the state level to provide grants or direct services to study archaeological sites before they are destroyed. Local governments make decisions affecting privately owned historic resources in their communities as a part of broader land use decisions. Local tax incentives or land use restrictions can be, but seldom are, applied to preservation or study of archaeological sites. The findings of the study can be summarized as: • Archaeological sites are especially vulnerable to loss. • Integrating sound preservation and economic development is hampered when planners and developers don't have enough information to make sound decisions. • In a system that leaves most historic resources in private ownership, preservation can occur only when the private sector adopts a stewardship ethic for historic resources in their care. Many of the basic tools do exist. The recommendations stress using the tools we have as well as considering new ones that have been used successfully elsewhere. |
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