Technology can speed permitting and reduce conflicts over new infrastructure

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Washington State Historic Preservation Office has been able to turn around information requests within three days, despite the fact that they had to switch suddenly to remote work. Because the information was digitized and accessible remotely, operations continued efficiently. Such responsiveness demonstrates how technology can help states provide critical government services in the midst of a crisis.

For future infrastructure investments to be successful, the federal permitting program must be ready to handle a flood of new projects as quickly and efficiently as Washington state does. It is critical to focus on three key areas:

1) promoting early planning and engagement

2) encouraging cutting-edge technology, like the use of digital data

3) investing in specialized human resources at all levels of government to ensure the effective implementation of new infrastructure projects

Federal permitting is often scapegoated as unduly delaying infrastructure development projects. However, robust permitting provides structure, certainty and accountability to the development process. The permitting process gives communities an opportunity to protect the historic and natural resources that define their communities. Special places, like historic downtowns, sacred spaces and areas of natural beauty, are what give towns their unique character and charm. Before breaking ground, developers must work with the community to ensure that there are adequate safeguards for the places that matter most in each town.

Critics of the permitting process use the small numbers of delays to argue that existing regulations should be abolished completely. They seek to weaken the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) in the name of increased speed. But those laws are key to protecting our communities and giving the American public a voice. Neither law prevents development. Instead, both NEPA and the NHPA ensure that residents get information on the impacts that a proposed development will have on their community. Residents can then weigh the benefits of the new development against the possible drawbacks. Oftentimes, potential damages can be avoided by making changes to the original plan.

It is crucial to focus on early engagement with the community. Early negotiation helps avoid high-stakes clashes with the community and ensuing public relations disasters. Potential disputes are more easily avoided because early conversations improve the chances of community support. Planners can adapt a project according to feedback from the community. Changes are also less expensive to make earlier in the process.

Many business leaders and community advocates have already realized the benefits of cooperating in a proactive manner. For example, Leaders in Energy and Preservation (LEAP) is a coalition of energy companies and historic preservation groups promoting best practices for early planning that deliver efficient energy projects through responsible heritage management. LEAP’s best practices and technological innovations help energy companies manage risk and plan successful projects that protect significant heritage resources such as archaeological sites, historic properties and sites of cultural importance to Indigenous people.

Digital tools also offer big opportunities to save time and money, but states vary widely in how much they are utilizing the technology. In some parts of the country, project planners must rely on paper records stored in government offices. In contrast, qualified users in Virginia can log in remotely to the state’s GIS map of cultural resources and study any area in the state. In neighboring North Carolina, the same person has to make an appointment for a 2-hour time slot to use the government computer in Raleigh. Ensuring ease of access to data will help developers incorporate the consideration of historic and natural resources into their plans right from the start.

Technological tools are only part of the equation, however. To handle a flurry of new infrastructure projects, the federal government, state and tribal historic preservation offices must have enough staff to review permit applications. Many offices are already stretched thin. Bringing in more staff will create jobs and help America build back better. Big investments in American infrastructure require investing in the workers who can make projects happen.

Congress is about to spend a lot of money helping America to build for the future. Let’s ensure that communities have the tools they need to start building these projects quickly and efficiently. 

Kelly Lizarraga is the advocacy coordinator for the Coalition for American Heritage, representing the American Anthropological Association, the Society for Historical Archaeology, heritage professionals, scholars, small businesses, non-profit groups and history-lovers from across the country who support and promote our nation’s commitment to historic preservation.

This piece has been updated.