Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act

The United States Congress, in the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), developed a comprehensive program to preserve the historical and cultural foundations of the nation. Section 106 of the NHPA requires that federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) consider the effects of their actions on historic resources. Section 106 also provides consulting parties (individuals and organizations with a demonstrated interest in the project) an opportunity to comment on federally funded projects.

As stated by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), Section 106 ensures that preservation is considered during project planning. For highway and bridge projects in Pennsylvania, this generally is done during the Preliminary Engineering stage of project development.

With all transportation projects involving historic resources, PennDOT first evaluates whether or not it can avoid impacting the historical or cultural resource altogether. If it cannot, options that would minimization the impact or mitigation its impacts are reviewed. When a project results in the use of a historic property, a Determination of Effect Report is prepared to determine the effect the project may have on the resource. If the effect is determined to be adverse, a Memorandum of Agreement is prepared to mitigate for the adverse effect.

Within the Area of Potential Effect for the I-95/BSR/BRI projects, the following seven resources have been listed in or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Gillinder & Sons Glass Company, located at Tacony Street and Devereaux Avenue, was determined eligible for listing in the National Register as one of the most highly respected glass manufacturers in the City of Philadelphia. Gillinder & Sons made glass for gas fixtures and pioneered in the manufacture of glass for electrical fixtures. The plant was at one time the largest firm of its type in the country. The Tacony plant continues to retain its integrity and significance as an example of industrial architecture.

The Frankford Arsenal is listed in the National Register as a significant U.S. military installation. The Arsenal is listed for its place in U.S. military history as well as its architecture and engineering. The Arsenal was established in 1816. The Arsenal remained a significant and extremely important part of the national military establishment well into the 1960s. The Arsenal continues to thrive today as a business park with a majority of its architecture intact, preserving itself as a historic U.S. military installation.

The Henry Longfellow School, located along James Street, is listed in the National Register on the Philadelphia Public Schools Thematic nomination form. It is listed for its place in the history of education and for its public school architecture within the City of Philadelphia. The School is considered a Utilitarian Classical building in style and is considered to be one of the more simple designs in the City of Philadelphia.

Allied Chemical, located at Bridge and Tacony Streets, is eligible for listing in the National Register for its association with a nationally significant chemical manufacturing company. Allied Chemical was the largest exporter of roofing products in the United States and by 1920, the largest American manufacturer of coal tar products. This resource has a high degree of integrity and as a local example of industrial architecture.

The Simonds Abrasive Company, located on James Street, is eligible for listing in the National Register. It was a locally significant manufacturing company which specialized in the manufacturing of abrasive grinding wheels. The buildings form a cohesive collection of modest Art Deco style factory structures. Simonds Abrasive Company is an intact example of early-twentieth century industrial architecture.

The Pennsylvania Railroad between Philadelphia and New York is eligible for listing in the National Register and is an important transportation resource in the tri-state area as well as an intact example of railroad engineering. This linear resource features both an elevated track and an electrified rail-line.

The Pennsylvania Railroad between Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey is eligible for listing in the National Register and is an important transportation resource. This rail-line was one of the first to bridge the Delaware River, eventually replacing river ferries as an alternative transportation method into Southern New Jersey. The Railroad is also important for its early railroad engineering featuring electrified rail-lines.

NEPA: The Foundation of Our Environmental Commitment

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 requires federal agencies to consider the consequences of their programs, policies and projects on the environment. NEPA is considered the national charter for protection of the environment. It identifies broad environmental policies and requires an interdisciplinary approach to planning and decision-making.

The regulations developed under NEPA require different levels of environmental assessment based on the magnitude of impacts that are expected under any specific project, such as those currently underway on I-95. Projects expected to have  significant environmental impacts usually require an Environmental Impact StatementCategorical Exclusion Evaluation (EIS). Projects projected to have with lesser impacts usually require a (CEE). Projects expected to have no environmental impacts require an Environmental Assessment (EA).

Sections BRI and BSR qualify for a CEE.

Public Involvement, along with coordination with various federal, state and local agencies, is integral to the NEPA process. This fosters strong communication and facilitates the review and approval of projects. Equally important is the exchange of information between the project team and the public. A public involvement program is essential to address public concerns and avoid controversy. Actively engaging citizens and public officials affected by a project to participate in the planning process is a key to the success of the project.