Great Falls HPAC approves two Section 106 MOAs for properties deemed eligible for the National Register

The Great Falls-Cascade County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission approved two Section 106 memoranda of agreement on May 13 for properties identified as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, and staff reported several preservation grant and outreach activities.

Commissioners moved quickly through both Section 106 items. For 1118 2nd Ave S, Neighborworks representatives said they will post documents and photos on their website to provide historic context and public access; Commissioner Megan Sanford moved to sign the MOA, Jeannie Price seconded, and the motion passed. For 816 3rd Ave S the commission adopted the same mitigation approach; Commissioner Ken Seivert moved to sign the MOA, Commissioner Meghan Kelly seconded, and the motion passed.

The commission’s historic preservation officer also reported that the local Historic Preservation Office found value in a recent Mainstreet conference, that a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant application was approved, and that staff will submit a final growth policy soon with related public meetings. Members also noted receipt of an application for HPAC membership from Vernon Pedersen, and the commission expressed consensus to add him once the city completes its approval process.

The approvals are procedural endorsements of mitigation agreements under Section 106 review; the documents and photographs Neighborworks will post are intended to make the findings and recommended mitigations available to the public. The commission did not record roll-call vote counts in the minutes beyond noting that each motion passed.