Kansas State and Federal Resources

Kansas State and Federal Resources

Kansas State Preservation Office and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO):

The Kansas State Preservation Office is a primary resource for protection of the significant historic and cultural resources of Kansas. Following are guides to Kansas laws and regulations, applicable preservation of Federal registry, Kansas State registry listed sites, regulations pertaining to conservation of antiquities and unmarked burial sites:
Kansas State Preservation Law

The objective of the Kansas State Preservation Law is to provide a process of review for projects undertaken by state and local governments. This review to determine any effects projects may have on historic properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Register of Historic Kansas Places is outlined in Kansas statute K.S.A. 75-2724 and in associated regulations.

Federal Preservation Law

The objective of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is to provide a process of review for projects undertaken by agencies of the federal government. This includes projects receiving funding from those agencies. SHPO reviewers seek to identify properties listed in or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and then determine the effect each project will have on any historic properties identified.

Antiquities Law

Language found in the Kansas Antiquities Act recognizes the need to conserve significant archeological remains in the state and establishes the Kansas Antiquities Commission. Access the link above for further information on how to contact the Commission and obtain permits under the Act.

Unmarked Burial Law

The Unmarked Burial Sites Preservation Act protects unmarked burials in Kansas and any related human remains and associated objects. Access the link above for further information on the Act. If you find human remains, please contact the local law enforcement agency first.Kansas State and Federal Resources

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of the Kansas Historical Society is tasked with protecting the significant historic and cultural resources of Kansas. SHPO staff routinely review proposed projects under both federal and state preservation laws to determine if the project will harm any historic property or archaeological site.   (https://www.kshs.org/p/site-protection/14658)
SHPO likewise administers (2) two grant programs, as follows:
  1. HERITAGE TRUST FUND: The Heritage Trust Fund (HTF) is a state program that provides matching funds SOLELY for the preservation of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places or the Register of Historic Kansas Places.  The HTF reimburses expenses for projects that preserve or restore historic properties. Qualifying expenses include professional fees and construction costs. Properties owned by the state or federal governments are not eligible, but those owned by local governments, private individuals, non-profit, and for-profit entities qualify. Individual grant awards may not exceed $90,000 and must be matched by the grant recipient. Yearly grant rounds are highly competitive. Applicants are encouraged to submit preliminary applications for review and comment. https://www.kshs.org/p/heritage-trust-fund/14617
  2. HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND: The Kansas State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) administers the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) to finance local preservation activities that will contribute to planning for the preservation of the built environment and archaeological resources. Up to 60 percent of the cost of eligible activities can be funded through this program. Through property identification and evaluation, communities may assess their historic properties and develop plans for their recognition and preservation.HPF projects must result in a tangible product.  Eligible products include, but are not limited to:
    • preservation plans for communities or historic properties
    • surveys of cultural resources
    • National Register historic district nominations
    • design-review guidelines for historic districts
    • walking tour brochures, websites, or podcasts
    • educational presentations, conferences, or workshops

For additional project ideas and program requirements see the current HPF Products Manual or contact the SHPO. Any applicant seeking funding for a survey project must agree to the current HPF grant-funded survey requirements.

https://www.kshs.org/p/historic-preservation-fund/14615