Public Notice regarding library renovations at AWC
August 7, 2019PUBLIC NOTICE
Regarding the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Section 106 Review of Arizona Western College Renovation
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has offered Arizona Western College (AWC) renovate space within its campus library to create a new learning space including a Digital Humanities Center. NEH is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities. This public notice is issued as part of NEH’s responsibilities under 36 C.F.R. Part 800, the regulations which implement Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, 16 U.S.C. § 470. NEH, a funding agency, is required by regulation to identify and assess the effects of any proposed actions on historic properties. If any proposed action will have an adverse effect on historic resources, NEH works with the appropriate parties to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects. Additionally, the Section 106 regulations require NEH to consider the views of the public on preservation issues when making final decisions that affect historic properties.
In its grant application, AWC plans to subdivide and renovate 2029 square feet within the existing interior footprint to create a large group learning space and five smaller labs within of the northwest side of the library. The AWC Library was constructed in 1965, but underwent an extensive remodeling in 1991 and no longer retains its original interior features.
On July 30, 2019, Margy Parisella of the Arizona State Historic Preservation office, advised that the proposed undertaking will have no adverse effect upon historic properties, as defined by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
As required by Section 106, NEH is providing the public with information about this project, as well as an opportunity to comment on any knowledge of, or concerns with, historic properties in the proposed project area, and issues relating to the project’s potential effects on historic properties. Comments may be submitted to the NEH by e-mail to FPO@neh.gov. The deadline for submitting comments is August 15.
Read more about the grant that AWC was awarded for the library renovation here.