The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation says it will end the Section 106 consultation process for Trump’s proposed triumphal arch, instead inviting parties to give verbal comments before seeking a final decision from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
Section 106 is part of a federal preservation law in place since 1966 and typically involves independent groups with preservation expertise or an interest in a project. The arch’s consulting parties—experts, state preservation officers and municipal authorities—had held only two meetings; the latest, in early September, ended without agreement because they said they needed more information. Several told CNN they lacked sufficient time to assess the project and comment.
ACHP was expected to ask Burgum for approval by Oct. 7. If he gives the anticipated green light, the National Capital Planning Commission would still consider the project for final approval before construction. Preservationist Charles Birnbaum said Trump’s announced intention for the arch to double as a “military complex” changes the proposal and requires more review. Attorney Greg Werkheiser said that, if Trump’s description means an installation storing ammunition and explosives, Interior would be permitting a different project from the one reviewed, creating a legal vulnerability. The change is likely to prompt lawsuits over its legality.
